Houthis Seize UN Assets in Sana'a, Deepening Aid Crisis in Yemen
CAIRO (AP) — In a move that threatens to paralyze critical aid operations, Houthi authorities in Yemen have confiscated United Nations equipment from its offices in the capital, Sana'a. The UN condemned the unauthorized seizure on Friday, calling it the latest in a series of obstructive measures imposed by the Iran-aligned group.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, Julien Harneis, stated that Houthi forces entered at least six vacant UN compounds on Thursday, removing vital telecommunications infrastructure and several official vehicles. The assets were transported to an undisclosed location without prior consultation or explanation.
This action significantly escalates a growing crackdown on international aid agencies operating in Houthi-controlled northern Yemen. Analysts view it as part of a broader strategy to consolidate control and leverage humanitarian access for political gains, further endangering a population where over two-thirds require assistance after a decade of civil war.
The confiscated equipment, imported under official protocols, is essential for coordinating life-saving programs. Compounding the crisis, the Houthis have also blocked all UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) flights to Sana'a for over a month, and to Marib for four months—severely restricting the only secure transit route for aid workers.
"These unilateral decisions, taken without dialogue, directly impact our ability to respond to escalating needs," Harneis said in a statement. "Confiscating assets and grounding flights will worsen the humanitarian situation in areas under their control."
The tensions have already triggered concrete consequences: the World Food Programme announced Thursday it will cease operations in Houthi areas by March's end, resulting in 365 job losses. Aid delivery has long been hampered in the north, where Houthi authorities have detained 73 UN personnel and others from NGOs in recent years, often on unsubstantiated espionage charges.
Reactions & Analysis:
"This is a reckless and inhumane act of political brinkmanship," said David Chen, a former aid worker and regional analyst based in Amman. "By strangling the UN's operational capacity, the Houthis are effectively holding the civilian population hostage to advance their diplomatic agenda. The international response must be swift and coordinated."
"While the seizure is provocative, it reflects the Houthis' deep-seated distrust of international bodies, whom they accuse of bias," noted Dr. Leila Al-Mansoori, a professor of Middle Eastern Studies. "A sustainable solution requires addressing their grievances within the framework of the ongoing, though stalled, peace process—not just condemning their actions."
"It's an outrage. This isn't just bureaucracy; it's theft that will cost lives," fired Marcus Thorne, director of the advocacy group 'AidWatch'. "The UN's cautious diplomacy has failed. It's time for the Security Council to name this what it is: a deliberate campaign of humanitarian sabotage, and impose targeted consequences on those responsible."
"On the ground, our partners are terrified," shared Anya Petrova, a program coordinator for a medical NGO, requesting anonymity. "Without comms and transport, we can't track supplies or reach remote clinics. This isn't a slowdown; it's a potential shutdown for the most vulnerable."