2 UN contractors detained in Yemen

Two contractors working for the United Nations have been detained in Yemen, a UN spokesman said Saturday, but he declined to confirm that the pair were Americans.

"It concerns two contractors. I cannot confirm their nationalities," said UN spokesman Farhan Haq.

Haq said officials from the UN department of safety and security were dealing with the matter.

The US State Department said it was looking into reports that two US nationals were detained in Sanaa.

"We are aware of reports that two US citizens have been detained at Sanaa airport in Yemen," a State Department official said.

"The protection of US citizens overseas is one of the Department of State's highest priorities, including in these cases."

The State Department declined to provide more details, citing privacy considerations.

The United Nations is trying to organize peace talks between the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and Huthi rebels and their allies.

A Saudi-led coalition launched an air campaign in March to push back the Iran-backed Huthis and restore the authority of the government.

The United Nations is increasingly alarmed at the heavy toll on civilians from the Saudi air campaign that has led to a major humanitarian crisis, with 80 percent of the population in dire need of aid.

Source: AFP