'They seized everything': Yemen's Houthi rebels drive aid groups to the brink

BBC News - WorldEN 5 min read 100% complete February 27, 2026 at 10:15 AM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

In Yemen, Houthi rebels are severely restricting the operations of local and international aid organizations, exacerbating the country's humanitarian crisis. The Houthis, who control north-western Yemen, are demanding control over aid distribution, diverting funds and resources to their own beneficiaries and companies. This interference includes demanding a share of cash assistance, denying access to vulnerable populations, and insisting on the use of Houthi-affiliated companies for projects. Consequently, many NGOs are losing funding, laying off staff, and scaling back operations, hindering their ability to provide critical assistance to the over 22 million Yemenis in need due to the ongoing civil war since 2015. The UN-funded projects are also being affected due to Houthi's interference.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Sanaa 40% Iran 50% Amina ×570% UN ×270% Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) ×890% Yemen ×495%

Keywords

houthi rebels 90% humanitarian crisis 90% aid groups 80% yemen 80% ngos 70% aid restrictions 70% humanitarian assistance 60% civil war 60% funding cuts 50% displaced families 40%