Nearly 100,000 displaced in Yemen in one week as Houthi attacks escalate

Nearly 100,000 people have been internally displaced in Yemen within a week, as Houthi military escalation continues in western Taiz and southern Hodeidah. The wave of civilian displacement has now spread to six provinces, increasing pressure on host communities and humanitarian agencies already facing shortages of resources and funding.

Recent data from Yemen’s Executive Unit for IDP Camp Management, tracking displacement up to September 13, recorded 13,980 families—around 95,324 individuals—displaced across Taiz, Lahj, Hodeidah, Aden, Abyan, and Shabwa provinces.

Taiz has received the largest number of displaced people, with about 7,782 families—54,643 individuals—followed by Lahj with 2,715 families, Hodeidah with 1,471, and Aden with 1,180 families. Smaller numbers were reported in Abyan and Shabwa.

Government sources expect the number of displaced to surpass 100,000 before the end of the week, as Houthi military operations persist in western Taiz and infiltration continues into mountainous areas near population centers.

Data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) shows the impact of the escalation has extended beyond direct conflict zones, affecting provinces hosting families fleeing western Yemen. In Taiz’s Jabal Habashi district, about 18,840 displaced people have arrived, while neighboring Al-Ma’afer district has received 9,966.

In Lahj, displacement in Al-Mudaraba and Ras Al-Arah districts reached about 16,464 people, with another 2,892 in Tuban district. IOM also recorded displacement in Aden, Hodeidah, Abyan, and other districts in Taiz, highlighting the widening humanitarian impact of the conflict.

IOM reported that 93,864 people have been newly displaced across Yemen since early September due to ongoing conflict and recent escalation. Figures from humanitarian agencies over consecutive days indicate a rapid and continuous movement of families arriving in host areas.

The Executive Unit for IDP Camp Management has issued an urgent appeal to UN agencies, international and local organizations, and donors for immediate intervention to provide life-saving assistance.

In a previous update as of September 12, the unit counted 12,597 families—86,415 individuals—forced to leave their homes due to military escalation and ongoing fighting. This included 7,186 families (50,454 people) in Taiz, 2,540 families (17,780) in Lahj, 1,471 families (10,297) in Hodeidah, 815 families (3,789) in Aden, 573 families (4,011) in Abyan, and 12 families (84) in Shabwa.

The Executive Unit said thousands of families have left their homes, possessions, and livelihoods suddenly, arriving in host areas without adequate shelter or guarantees for their basic needs.

The most urgent needs include emergency shelter, food, safe drinking water, health services, sanitation, and protection. Risks are rising for children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities, while host communities face additional burdens in areas already struggling with harsh economic and living conditions.

IOM has called on donors to provide urgent support for newly displaced families, particularly in shelter, water, and sanitation. The Executive Unit urged UN agencies and humanitarian partners to act immediately without waiting for detailed needs assessments to be completed.

With Houthi escalation and the widening scope of military operations in western Yemen, displacement has become one of the most pressing humanitarian consequences of the conflict. Local authorities warn that host areas are nearing their capacity to absorb further waves of displaced people.