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Thirty-seven United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) workers, including some employed by the U.S. government, are being held captive by Iran-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen, the agency's new executive director told Fox News Digital on Wednesday. Many have been detained for two years.

Luke J. Lindberg's remarks come as WFP workers face growing threats in some of the world's most dangerous conflict zones, where hundreds have died risking their lives to save others, he said.

"Right now in Yemen, we have 37 colleagues of ours who are currently detained," Lindberg said.

IRAN-BACKED TERROR PROXY HOUTHIS THREATEN FRESH ATTACKS AFTER YEMEN AIRPORT STRIKE

Lindberg's appointment comes as the WFP confronts major humanitarian emergencies and funding pressures, while also bringing the agency a direct connection to President Donald Trump. (Fox News)

"These folks are out there to provide basic humanitarian services.…