The decision is made since several of the UN's employees have been captured by the Iran-backed Houthi movement. The UN calls the measure "extraordinary" and regrets that efforts in the northern Saada province must be stopped due to "necessary security protection and guarantees".
In recent months, tens of UN employees in the extremely poor and conflict-ridden region have been detained by the Houthi movement. The UN confirms that six employees in Saada province, bordering Saudi Arabia, have been taken away by the Islamist group.
The civil war in Yemen is estimated to have claimed 150,000 lives, both civilian and military, since it broke out in 2014 when the Houthi movement took control of the capital Sanaa.
The Houthi movement has also intensified harassment and attacks on both UN personnel and representatives of individual organizations and aid agencies.
