Escalating conflict along Yemen's west coast has triggered mass internal displacement and prompted thousands to flee across the Gulf of Aden to Djibouti.
Key facts
- •More than 112,000 people have been internally displaced in Yemen within the last two weeks.
- •Nearly 3,000 people have crossed the Gulf of Aden to Djibouti in less than a week.
- •Djibouti is preparing for up to 10,000 refugees, straining local infrastructure.
- •Houthi forces have seized control of the Red Sea coastline near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- •IOM reports that some migrants from Ethiopia are also among those fleeing the region by sea.
Renewed fighting between Houthi forces and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government has displaced more than 112,000 people within Yemen over the past two weeks. The violence, concentrated along the country's Red Sea coast, has also forced nearly 3,000 people to flee by sea to Djibouti. United Nations agencies report that the conflict is exacerbating an existing humanitarian crisis as families escape the escalating hostilities.
By the numbers
Displacement and Humanitarian Impact
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed that the majority of the 112,000 internally displaced persons were uprooted in the last two weeks, primarily in the provinces of Taiz and Lahj as well as along the west coast. Those fleeing to Djibouti are arriving on overcrowded boats with limited access to food and water. The government of Djibouti is currently preparing for the potential arrival of up to 10,000 refugees, a development officials warn will place significant strain on local health and education services.
Strategic Conflict and Regional Movement
Houthi forces have advanced along the Red Sea coast, tightening their control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil and commodity shipping. In response to the Houthi offensive and their recent attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure, Saudi and Yemeni air forces have conducted bombardments against Houthi targets. Beyond the migration to Djibouti, authorities in Somaliland and Puntland have reported smaller increases in arrivals, including both Yemeni refugees and returning Somali nationals.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Al-Monitor, Middle East Eye.
