Yemenis flee across Red Sea as Houthis and Saudi-backed forces escalate war
Houthi rebels are advancing into western Yemen, forcing tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes. The International Organization for Migration reports nearly 130,000 people are now displaced. Many refugees have crossed the Red Sea into Djibouti, including pregnant women. Fighting involves Iran-backed Houthi forces and Saudi-backed groups. Aid teams have deployed to the Al-Firdaws camp to support those displaced. A United Nations agency warns that the total number of displaced persons could exceed 230,000 by the end of the year.
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- ✓ The International Organization for Migration reports nearly 130,000 people are displaced in Yemen.
- ✓ Thousands of Yemenis have fled across the Red Sea to Djibouti.
- ✓ The conflict involves Iran-backed rebels and Saudi-backed forces.
- ✓ A UN agency projects displacement could top 230,000 by year-end.
What changed
The IOM updated displacement figures to nearly 130,000 people as Houthi forces push deeper into western Yemen.
Live updates
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Escalating Yemen Conflict Displaces Up to 130,000 People
Houthi rebels are advancing into western Yemen, forcing tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes. The International Organization for Migration reports nearly 130,000 people are now displaced. Many refugees have crossed the Red Sea into Djibouti, including pregnant women. Fighting involves Iran-backed Houthi forces and Saudi-backed groups. Aid teams have deployed to the Al-Firdaws camp to support those displaced. A United Nations agency warns that the total number of displaced persons could exceed 230,000 by the end of the year.
Why it matters
The escalation draws Yemen into a broader regional conflict involving Iran and Saudi Arabia. The movement of civilians across the Red Sea indicates a critical collapse of security in western regions.
What is confirmed
- The International Organization for Migration reports nearly 130,000 people are displaced in Yemen.
- Thousands of Yemenis have fled across the Red Sea to Djibouti.
- The conflict involves Iran-backed rebels and Saudi-backed forces.
- A UN agency projects displacement could top 230,000 by year-end.
Still unconfirmed
- Witnesses told NPR that Houthis are pushing deeper into western Yemen and upending life.
- Aid teams have arrived at the Al-Firdaws camp in Yemen.
What to watch next
- Updates on the humanitarian capacity of Djibouti to host incoming refugees.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (15)
- AP News — Tens of thousands flee as Iran-backed rebels draw Yemen into the wider war
- Reuters — Barefoot and terrified, Yemenis flee the Houthi advance
- Al Jazeera — More than 112,000 displaced by Yemen fighting; thousands flee to Djibouti
- OCHA — Today's top news: Yemen, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti
- BBC — Yemenis flee across Red Sea as Houthis and Saudi-backed forces escalate war
- iom.int — New IOM Data: Nearly 130,000 Displaced in Yemen Due to Escalating Conflict
- thenationalnews.com — Desperate and afraid: The pregnant Yemeni refugees giving birth in Djibouti
- OCHA — Today's top news: Yemen, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ukraine, Haiti, Afghanistan
- news.cgtn.com — UNHCR says over 125,000 displaced as Yemen crisis deepens
- Yahoo — Aid teams arrive at Al-Firdaws camp in Yemen to help displaced people
- Reuters — More Yemenis expected to flee from upsurge in fighting, UN says
- africanews.com — 130,000 displaced by Houthi advance in Yemen, says IOM
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