The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, Mr. Julien Harneis, conducted a field visit on Saturday to Sa’dah Governorate, where he visited the Sa’dah Immigration Detention Center, reportedly struck by airstrikes on 28 April 2025.
According to the Houthi rebels who control Sa’dah city, the attack resulted in the deaths of 60 migrants and injured another 65.
Mr. Harneis also visited Al-Joumhoury and Al-Talh hospitals, where he met with medical staff, doctors, and administrators who expressed serious concerns about the critical condition of the facilities and the overwhelming needs they face in treating casualties and providing essential care.
“The United Nations is deeply alarmed by the impact of airstrikes in Sa’dah and other parts of northern Yemen on the safety of civilians,” said Mr. Harneis. “These strikes have reportedly resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.”
Mr. Harneis added that this further increases our concern about the safety of detained colleagues from the United Nations and NGOs, who are held in locations under the Houthi rebels stating that these detentions also limit our ability to provide humanitarian assistance in Sa’dah.
He reiterated the United Nations Secretary-General’s call for their immediate release, and concluded that the United Nations reminds all parties that civilians, including migrants and detainees, must be protected at all times, in accordance with international humanitarian law.