Yemen: Over 2,000 People Flee to Djibouti Amid Ongoing Fighting

11:31

More than 2,000 people have left Yemen by sea since Thursday to reach Djibouti, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This new influx comes as intensified clashes between government forces and the Houthis lead to further population displacements and heightened humanitarian needs in the region.

A New Influx of Refugees to Djibouti

The first arrivals on Djibouti's shores were recorded on Thursday evening. According to the IOM, over 2,000 people fleeing violence have since reached Djibouti.

The UN organization has deployed emergency aid in the Obock area, in the north of the country, where arrivals from Yemen are concentrated. However, it emphasizes that additional resources will be necessary to meet the rising needs.

The toll reported by Djiboutian authorities already indicated 1,400 refugees arriving within 24 hours by Saturday evening, according to the Minister of Economy, Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh.

Fighting Spreads to Coastal Areas

This new wave of departures follows a Houthi advance into several strategic sectors along Yemen's maritime front.

The movement, which controlled vast territories in the north of the country as well as Sanaa and Hodeida, took control of Mokha on Thursday. This port city holds significant importance on the Red Sea coast.

The Houthi forces have since extended their presence to several stretches of coastline and islands in the Red Sea. This advance has allowed them to strengthen their control around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial maritime passage linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and located on one of the main international trade routes.

Mass Displacements Feared

The intensification of clashes in recent weeks has already resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people and forced tens of thousands of residents to flee their homes.

In light of this deteriorating security situation, the IOM anticipates a possible worsening of displacements in the coming days. The organization must thus respond simultaneously to the needs of newly arrived individuals in Djibouti and to those affected by the conflict within Yemen.

For Djibouti, the rapid arrival of thousands of people also represents a significant humanitarian challenge. The country must ensure the reception and assistance of refugees as arrivals may continue.

Obock on the Front Line

Located in the north of Djibouti, Obock is one of the main reception points for people crossing the sea from Yemen.

The IOM's intervention aims to provide initial assistance to newcomers, as humanitarian organizations fear a worsening crisis if fighting continues to push populations toward the coasts and neighboring countries.

Beyond the humanitarian emergency, the situation in this part of Yemen also holds strategic importance due to its proximity to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, through which a significant portion of maritime trade between the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and the Suez Canal transits.