Houthi Intelligence Forces Raid and Loot UN Development Program Office in Sana'a
Armed elements affiliated with the Houthi security and intelligence apparatus stormed the office of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, on Thursday afternoon, subsequently looting its contents.
Sources familiar with the matter reported that the armed personnel subsequently removed the looted materials from the premises and transferred them to an undisclosed location that evening. This incident is described as part of a pattern of organized raids and confiscations targeting the offices of several UN organizations operating in Sana'a and other areas under Houthi control.
These actions coincide with a period of apparent disruption within the Iran-backed militia, following decisions by several UN bodies in recent months to gradually withdraw or reduce their operations in Houthi-controlled territories. These retractions stem from what the organizations describe as arbitrary measures against their staff, imposition of restrictions, and interference with program implementation mechanisms, which have reportedly skewed humanitarian operations, according to field sources. The organizations involved have maintained silence regarding further specifics.
The raid on the UNDP office occurred just one day after the World Food Programme (WFP) notified its staff in Sana'a and other militia-controlled areas of its decision to completely halt all operations there, effective March 31, 2026. This cessation of operations includes the termination of contracts for approximately 360 Yemeni employees.
Previous reports from UN sources indicated that the Houthi militia has abducted dozens of staff members working for various UN agencies and organizations in recent periods. A source within the WFP confirmed that the militia continues to detain approximately 38 local staff members affiliated with the program for several months. United Nations data suggests that the total number of detained personnel across various agencies stands at around 73, prompting repeated demands for their immediate and unconditional release.