Yemenis struggle as prices double in besieged Taiz

Yemenis face escalating hardships as food and fuel prices double in the besieged city of Taiz, according to a UN warning on Tuesday. The UN humanitarian official in Yemen, Laurent Bukera, highlighted the dire situation, noting that the fuel shortage is jeopardizing hospital operations and endangering patient lives. Families in Taiz are struggling to secure water, with water production plummeting to half capacity.

The UN official emphasized the urgent need for Houthi authorities to allow safe passages for essential supplies.

The Yemeni government accused the Houthis of shelling an ambulance in Taiz, resulting in the deaths of two people, including an 18-year-old girl. In response, the government launched a series of counter-attacks to retake territory from the Houthis. Yemeni forces conducted nearly 750 operations using various military assets, as reported by official media.

The Houthis' recent offensive has reignited Yemen's civil war, creating a new front in the broader Middle East conflict. Their attacks on Saudi Arabia have caused numerous casualties and disrupted flights to the kingdom. The Saudi-led coalition backing the Yemeni government reported destroying a drone over Riyadh, while Houthi forces claimed attacks on border areas in Jizan and Asir.

The crisis in Taiz is particularly alarming as it crucial to the struggle for western Yemen. The city's health system is on the brink of collapse due to road closures and security concerns, hindering the delivery of supplies. The UN official called on Houthi authorities to open safe passages to allow basic goods to reach the city's inhabitants.