Renewed Yemen fighting displaces 125,000, UN says

Intensifying clashes in Yemen’s Taiz province have driven thousands of people into makeshift camps, following the collapse of a ceasefire that had largely held since 2022. The UN says at least 125,000 people were newly displaced across the country since the start of September, while aid operations face access, infrastructure and funding constraints.

A new wave of fighting in Yemen is forcing families from their homes, with Taiz province receiving large numbers of people fleeing the violence. Displaced residents have arrived at makeshift Al Kadha camp carrying few belongings, while some have built shelters from wooden branches and plastic sacks.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said at least 125,000 people had been newly displaced across Yemen since the start of September. Tens of thousands of those displaced are in Taiz, according to OCHA, placing additional pressure on an area already facing a severe humanitarian crisis.

The renewed clashes between Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed forces have ended a ceasefire that had largely halted Yemen’s civil war since 2022. The source report said the escalation has produced a sharp increase in deaths, with the World Health Organization and other UN agencies reporting more than 500 people killed in the past week, compared with nearly 200 the week before.

OCHA separately reported 40 verified civilian casualties between 1 and 14 September, including eight deaths. The figures cover a defined period and represent only casualties verified by the agency, while the broader death toll cited by the WHO and other UN agencies covers the more recent week.

Humanitarian operations are being hindered by damaged roads, restricted access and inadequate funding. Those obstacles are complicating efforts to assist newly displaced families as arrivals continue in Taiz and other parts of Yemen.