More than 200,000 people displaced by renewed fighting in Yemen

Yesterday 21:15

By: Azzat Manal

More than 200,000 people displaced by renewed fighting in Yemen

More than 200,000 people have been displaced inside Yemen since the latest wave of fighting began in early September, according to figures released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Wednesday, highlighting the growing humanitarian pressure on civilians caught in the conflict.

The UN migration agency described the humanitarian situation resulting from the renewed clashes between Houthi forces and Saudi-backed government troops as concerning. Its figures show a sharp increase in internal displacement, from around 76,000 people in mid-September to more than 200,000 by Wednesday.

The rapid rise indicates that most of the recorded displacement has occurred since the latest escalation in fighting. Thousands of families have been forced to leave their homes as violence continues across several areas, increasing demand for emergency shelter, food, healthcare and protection.

The renewed escalation has added another layer to Yemen’s prolonged humanitarian crisis, which has been driven by years of armed conflict, economic deterioration and damage to essential infrastructure. Displaced communities often face limited access to basic services and remain highly vulnerable to further displacement.

The latest fighting has reportedly spread across several strategic fronts, including areas around Taiz, Marib and Al Jawf. The developments have also increased tensions along Yemen’s western coastline and around the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a major maritime passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

Yemeni government forces, backed by coalition air support, have reported advances along parts of the western coast, including claims of control over the Bab el-Mandeb area, the port city of Mokha and the Dhu Bab district. Houthi forces have disputed these claims and have continued to carry out attacks involving missiles and drones.

The escalation has also raised concerns over attacks targeting civilian and strategic infrastructure. Reports of missile strikes around Aden and attacks directed toward locations in Saudi Arabia have added to security concerns across the wider region.

For humanitarian organizations, the immediate priority remains protecting civilians and assisting people forced from their homes. The increase in displacement is likely to place additional pressure on already limited humanitarian resources, particularly in areas receiving large numbers of newly displaced families.

The latest figures underline the continuing vulnerability of Yemen’s civilian population as renewed hostilities threaten to deepen an already severe humanitarian emergency. Without a sustained reduction in violence, aid agencies warn that displacement and humanitarian needs could continue to grow in the weeks ahead.