Aden (South24 Center)

The United Nations has stated that the de facto authorities in Sanaa, [the Iranian-backed Houthi militias] moved UN equipment and assets from several offices in the capital to an unknown location without prior authorization. 

A statement issued on Friday (Jan 30) by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, Julien Harneis, noted that on Thursday (Jan 29), elements belonging to the Sanaa authorities entered at least six currently unstaffed offices and removed most telecommunication equipment and several UN vehicles.

The statement added that the UN was not informed of the reasons for the removal of these assets. It emphasized that all equipment had been imported into Yemen in accordance with local procedures and with official permits, noting that it represents the minimum infrastructure necessary to enable the organization to implement its humanitarian programs.

The statement also pointed out that the de facto authorities have not yet granted permission for the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) to operate flights to Sanaa for more than a month, nor to Marib governorate for more than four months, without providing reasons.

According to the statement, UNHAS flights are the only means for international NGO personnel to enter and exit Houthi-controlled areas. The flight restrictions impose new obstacles to the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Harneis said the confiscation of assets and the blocking of flights come at a time of increasing humanitarian needs in Yemen, particularly in Houthi-controlled areas, warning that these measures could worsen the humanitarian situation.

The UN Coordinator expressed regret that these steps were taken unilaterally and without any consultations with the United Nations, depriving both parties of the opportunity to reach arrangements that would ensure the continuity of humanitarian operations.

Harneis recalled Security Council Resolutions 2801 (2025) and 2813 (2026), which call on the Houthis to ensure a safe and secure operating environment, and demanded the "immediate and unconditional release" of all detained UN, NGO, and diplomatic mission personnel.

The Houthi militias have not issued any comment regarding the statement as of the time of this report.