Yemen fighting displaces over 125,000 as Houthis advance on coast

Renewed clashes between Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed government forces have displaced more than 125,000 people across Yemen's western coast since early September, according to UN agencies. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) recorded 93,864 newly displaced individuals, while UNHCR reported over 2,400 people crossing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to Djibouti.

Fighting has intensified in Hodeidah, Taiz, Lahj, Aden, Abyan, Marib, Al Dhalea, and Shabwa provinces. The strategic port city of Mokha fell to Houthi control on September 10, triggering mass flight from frontline areas. Families report fleeing with minimal possessions, facing shortages of food, water, shelter, and medical care.

“They are being blocked and shot at. Right now, they cannot reach us, and we cannot return to them.”

Displaced civilians describe harrowing journeys. Aisha Mohammad was separated from her five children during the escape from coastal areas. Eshraq Abdel Gelil, four months pregnant, miscarried after walking five kilometers and traveling 60 kilometers on mountain roads to reach Taiz. Mohammad Aiyash fled Mokha with his three children after his wife was killed by shrapnel.

Aid workers report growing needs and scuffles over provisions at displacement sites. Around 350 families have sought refuge in Al Masrakh alone, with new arrivals daily. The UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher released $9 million from the Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) for urgent assistance to displaced families and host communities.

Nearly half of Yemen's 41 million people require humanitarian aid as acute hunger grows. The conflict, largely dormant since a 2022 truce, has reignited concerns over commercial and humanitarian shipping through the Red Sea chokepoint. A Saudi-led blockade and Houthi detention of aid workers continue to complicate relief efforts.