Over 100,000 Displaced Due to Conflict in Yemen, UN Reports

More than 100,000 people have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict in Yemen between the Houthis and forces loyal to the internationally recognized government, according to the United Nations. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) stated in a report issued on September 15, 2026, that escalating hostilities along Yemen’s western coast have forced many to flee, with thousands risking the journey across the Bab al-Mandeb strait to reach Djibouti in search of safety. The UNHCR warned that the violence could lead to a humanitarian crisis as more individuals are displaced, putting pressure on communities with limited resources. The agency has estimated a need for $14 million in new funding to address the immediate needs of displaced families within Yemen, as well as additional support for those arriving in Djibouti. The statement highlighted that many families fled with few belongings, and urgent needs include shelter, food, clean water, healthcare, and protection services. Additionally, over 65,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers in Yemen, primarily from Somalia and Ethiopia, are also at risk due to the ongoing conflict. The displacement crisis began when the Iran-aligned Houthis advanced rapidly, gaining control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast to strengthen their hold on the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a critical maritime corridor. Aisha Muhammad, a displaced woman, recounted having to leave her five children behind when their village near Mocha was overtaken by the Houthis. She reported that her children are trapped and struggling to find food. Hussein Haydara, another displaced individual from Hodeidah, described the sudden escape with his family due to fears of shelling and sniper fire. The UNHCR reported that over 2,400 people made the perilous journey across the Bab al-Mandeb strait in the past four days, with most arrivals being women, children, and older individuals. Sandrine Desamours, UNHCR’s representative in Djibouti, noted that many people arrive exhausted and distressed after their difficult sea journey, carrying only what little they could.