Yemen’s information minister confirmed today (Monday) that the Houthis have hijacked a Red Cross plane at Sanaa International Airport. The incident comes amid escalating clashes between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, which allegedly recently struck Sanaa Airport as part of efforts to enforce an air blockade on the Iran-backed terror group.
1+The Red Cross has maintained a longstanding presence in Yemen, particularly in Houthi-controlled areas. The international organization significantly expanded its operations following the outbreak of the Saudi-Houthi conflict in 2015, providing clean water, medical care, and other humanitarian assistance.
The Red Cross remained in Yemen even after Houthi militants raided its offices in Sanaa in November 2025, taking dozens of staff members hostage. During the raid, the militants confiscated mobile phones and laptops, severed communications with office personnel, and after several hours returned the devices and released many of the employees—but not all. The seizure of the organization’s aircraft marks the latest escalation against an international humanitarian group that has continued operating in Houthi-controlled territory despite repeated attacks.
1+The internationally recognized Yemeni government, which is fighting the Houthi terror group, prohibits normal civilian operations at Sanaa Airport, arguing that it poses a significant security threat. Those restrictions are enforced with the support of Saudi Arabia, its key coalition partner.
The incident adds to mounting evidence that the Houthis are expanding their campaign beyond military targets, further destabilizing the region and placing even international humanitarian organizations in their crosshairs.