Overview
- Hans Grundberg briefed the Security Council from Riyadh, urging the Houthis to unconditionally free 73 detained UN and associated personnel and to rescind court referrals.
- He reported that a World Food Programme staff member died in custody a year ago with no investigation, and warned that no single actor has the right to pull Yemen into a wider regional conflict.
- OCHA said Houthi authorities entered multiple UN offices in Sana'a on January 29, commandeered assets, and continue to block UNHAS clearances to Marib, while flights to Sana'a have resumed after a suspension.
- Council members called for a UN‑led, inclusive political process that advances political, economic and security tracks in tandem to convert fragile local gains into a durable settlement.
- Humanitarian officials said 22.3 million people will need aid in 2026, nearly one in two children is stunted, and the appeal is only 28.5% funded, as the United States highlighted new January sanctions aimed at constraining Houthi capacities.