The United Nations' migration arm, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), announced on Friday that internal displacement in Yemen has risen sharply, with at least 112,000 individuals forced to leave their homes in the past fortnight. The surge follows intensified combat between the Houthi movement and forces loyal to Yemen's internationally recognised government along the country's western shoreline.
The IOM figures also indicate that close to 3,000 residents from communities bordering the Gulf of Aden have undertaken sea journeys to the neighboring state of Djibouti. These crossings represent a growing trend of maritime migration prompted by the deteriorating security situation in the southern coastal zones.
Djiboutian officials have signalled readiness to accommodate a potential influx of up to 10,000 new arrivals. Authorities warned that the arrival of large numbers of refugees could further strain the country's already limited health, education and humanitarian infrastructure, which is coping with ongoing regional pressures.
The displacement wave underscores the broader humanitarian crisis that has persisted in Yemen since the conflict erupted in 2014. United Nations agencies have repeatedly highlighted the fragility of basic services across the country, noting that repeated cycles of violence exacerbate food insecurity, disease outbreaks and the collapse of essential public utilities.
While the IOM's latest data focuses on the two-week period, it reflects a pattern of displacement that has been observed throughout the war. The organization tracks movements of people both within Yemen and across its borders, providing critical information for aid coordination and response planning.
International donors and humanitarian actors have called for renewed diplomatic efforts to halt hostilities and enable safe passage for civilians. The United Nations continues to appeal for increased funding to support emergency shelters, medical care and education for displaced families both inside Yemen and in host communities such as Djibouti.
The situation remains fluid, with security analysts warning that further escalations could trigger additional waves of displacement, placing further demands on regional partners and the global aid system.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/yemen-conflict-displaces-112000-people-two-weeks-un-says.