UN: Houthis Transferred UN Equipment in Sana’a to Unknown Location and Restricted Humanitarian Flights
Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, Julien Harneis, announced that the Houthi group stormed at least six United Nations offices last Thursday, transferring equipment and assets to an unknown location without prior notice or consent from the organization.
The statement explained that the offices entered were unoccupied by staff at the time. The transferred assets included most of the communication equipment and a number of UN vehicles.
The organization emphasized that this equipment was brought into Yemen according to approved legal procedures and with the necessary permits, representing a core part of the operational infrastructure that enables the implementation of humanitarian programs.
The statement further noted that for over a month, the “de facto authorities” (Houthis) have not allowed United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) flights to Sana’a. Additionally, permission for moving to Marib governorate has been denied for more than four months without justification.
According to the UN, these flights are the only means for international NGO staff to enter and leave Houthi-controlled areas, making the continued suspension an additional obstacle to the delivery of aid.
Harneis stressed that the confiscation of assets and suspension of flights come at a time of escalating humanitarian needs, particularly in areas under the control of the de facto authorities, warning that these measures could further exacerbate the humanitarian situation.
The UN official expressed regret that these steps were taken unilaterally and without prior consultation, stating that they deprived both parties of the opportunity to reach arrangements that ensure the continuity of humanitarian work.
He also reiterated the reminder of Security Council Resolutions 2801 (2025) and 2813 (2026), which call on the Houthis to provide a safe environment for the work of humanitarian organizations and to immediately and unconditionally release all detained staff from the UN, NGOs, and diplomatic missions.
