Escalating Fighting Worsens Displacement Crisis in Yemen

Aden – The United Nations reported on Saturday that at least 76,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since July, noting that the pace of displacement has accelerated as fighting intensifies between the Houthis and government forces.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) warned in a statement of a “rapidly escalating displacement crisis in Yemen, developing by the hour.” It added that “at least 76,000 people have fled their homes since July.”

The IOM explained that a quarter of these people were displaced in the past week, as the Houthis launched a major offensive, seizing control of the entire western coast of Yemen and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Last week, the Houthis launched a new offensive targeting areas adjacent to the Bab al-Mandab Strait on the Red Sea, a region that has gained increasing importance since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East and Iran’s closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, located on the other side of the Arabian Peninsula.

These clashes with Yemeni government forces have resulted in the deaths of hundreds since September 3. “Families are being forced to flee for the second or third time since the start of this conflict, having lost everything or nearly everything,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope.

She also called for “safe and unimpeded access” for aid on the ground, as all field movements and operations were temporarily suspended as of Friday due to the deteriorating security situation.

Boob stressed that “all parties must guarantee the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, as well as the stockpiles, vehicles, and facilities we rely on to deliver aid.”

The IOM called on all parties to “ensure safe and sustained humanitarian access, ensure the safety of humanitarian workers, facilities, and property throughout the country, and reactivate the communication and transport lines necessary for the delivery of aid.”