Over 100,000 displaced by Houthis as escalation with Saudi-backed Yemeni government continues

Over 100,000 individuals have been internally displaced due to ongoing conflict between Iran-backed Houthis and Yemen's Saudi-backed government, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). UNHCR stated that humanitarian access is severely hampered by insecurity, damaged infrastructure, and movement restrictions.

The escalating conflict aims to control the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait, an essential route for oil and commodities shipping, and follows Iran's efforts to gain control over the Strait of Hormuz.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that over 85,000 people had been displaced in Yemen by September, with 82,164 of these displacements occurring since the beginning of the month. Over 2,400 Yemeni refugees have arrived in Djibouti, with more than 60% of them being women, children, or elderly men. Djiboutian authorities have mobilized their Navy, army, police, and health services to assist the influx of displaced individuals, but the situation is becoming increasingly challenging for the country.

Djibouti's Finance Minister, Ilyas Dawaleh, acknowledged that the nation is struggling with the influx of refugees, despite their commitment to humanitarian resources. The UNHCR Representative in Djibouti, Sandrine Desamours, emphasized that the response capacity is under pressure, as the refugee count is expected to exceed 10,000 in the coming days and weeks. Djibouti's Markazi site in Obock can only accommodate around 5,000 additional refugees.

The IOM called for increased donor support to address the humanitarian crisis, both for those arriving in Djibouti and for the affected communities in Obock. UNHCR Director General Amy Pope highlighted the plight of displaced families, many of whom have been displaced multiple times due to the ongoing conflict and poverty in Yemen.