Sana’a — The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has issued a carefully worded statement following reports that armed Houthi militants stormed its headquarters in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, earlier this week. 

The incident marks a serious escalation in the group’s ongoing pressure campaign against international humanitarian organizations operating in areas under its control.

In its first public comment, the ICRC refrained from directly condemning the raid or naming the perpetrators, instead expressing “concern over recent developments” and reaffirming its commitment to “dialogue with all relevant authorities to ensure the safety of its staff and the continuity of its humanitarian mission.”

According to multiple media outlets, heavily armed Houthi fighters forcibly entered the ICRC compound on Wednesday, disrupting operations and allegedly detaining several staff members, including foreign nationals, for interrogation. 

The ICRC has not confirmed these details, but emphasized that it is “closely monitoring the situation” and “engaging with interlocutors to clarify the circumstances.”

The incident comes amid a broader crackdown by the Houthi group on international organizations. 

Just days earlier, Houthi authorities initiated legal proceedings against 21 detained United Nations employees, accusing them of espionage and seeking the death penalty.

“This is not just a security breach it’s a direct threat to the neutrality and safety of humanitarian actors,” said a regional analyst who requested anonymity due to security concerns.

The ICRC, which has operated in Yemen for decades, plays a critical role in providing medical aid, supporting detainees, and facilitating humanitarian access in conflict zones. 

Its cautious tone reflects the delicate balance it must maintain to continue its work in a highly volatile environment.

As of now, the ICRC has not announced any suspension of its operations in Sanaa, but the incident is likely to intensify international scrutiny of the Houthis’ treatment of aid organizations and their adherence to international humanitarian law.