The International Organisation for Migration reported that over 46,000 individuals have been forced to leave their homes as fighting intensifies in Yemen between Iran-allied Houthi rebels and government-aligned forces. The UN agency indicated the displacement figure continues to grow rapidly, with updates occurring on an hourly basis.
The displacement surge followed the Houthis’ capture of Mocha, a strategically significant Red Sea port city controlled by the internationally recognized government. Residents reportedly fled overnight with minimal possessions, and entire villages in certain regions were abandoned. The UN also reported that Houthi forces seized a humanitarian compound in Mocha containing assets and staff from multiple UN agencies, though all personnel had evacuated safely beforehand. Additionally, reports indicated the Houthis captured a strategically positioned island in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, extending their control over Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline.
UN officials emphasized that humanitarian personnel, facilities, and assets must be protected under international law and called for unobstructed humanitarian access to continue delivering aid. The IOM head stated that many families face displacement for the second or third time during the conflict, with few remaining resources.
Analysts warned of compounding humanitarian consequences. A Yemen researcher at Chatham House noted that Yemen was already experiencing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies before this latest escalation. The researcher projected that the fighting will generate additional crises, including further internal displacement and commodity price increases. Previous reports documented over 10,000 families displaced within the preceding week alone. Experts also cautioned that control of the maritime trade corridor will likely intensify both internal violence and external tensions affecting the region.
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