January 31, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
Sana’a, Yemen — United Nations representatives reported on Friday that Houthi militants in Yemen have confiscated telecommunications equipment and several vehicles from unstaffed UN offices in Sanaa, raising concerns about disruptions to humanitarian operations in the war-torn country.
According to a statement issued by the office of the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, Julien Harneis, Houthi forces entered at least six UN offices in the Yemeni capital. While these facilities were unstaffed at the time, the militants removed most of the telecommunications equipment and a number of UN vehicles, the statement said.
The move is likely to pose challenges to aid delivery and internal coordination among humanitarian actors in regions under Houthi control, where millions depend on external assistance for survival amid prolonged conflict.
The Houthi movement, which maintains territorial control over much of northern Yemen, has repeatedly targeted UN agencies and personnel in recent years. According to previous reporting, the group has accused UN organizations of engaging in espionage on behalf of Israel allegations rejected by the United Nations.
These incidents occur against the backdrop of Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, one of the world’s worst, driven by years of armed conflict, economic collapse, and widespread displacement. Humanitarian agencies operate under persistent security threats, bureaucratic restrictions, and operational challenges in both Houthi-held and government-controlled areas.
The confiscation of equipment and vehicles comes as aid agencies press for expanded access to deliver food, medical supplies, and emergency assistance to vulnerable populations throughout Yemen. Officials say that securing and maintaining communication systems is critical for effective humanitarian response in areas where connectivity remains limited.