Yemen Conflict Displaces Over 268,000 People, Thousands Flee to Djibouti
The conflict in Yemen has displaced over 268,000 people since July, with thousands fleeing to Djibouti, according to the International Organization for Migration.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen has resulted in the displacement of more than 268,000 people within the country since July, with nearly all of them being displaced since early September, Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu Agency reported.
The escalating violence in western Yemen has also led to a significant number of people fleeing to neighboring countries.
As of October 17, at least 3,836 Yemenis had arrived in Djibouti, with half of them being children, including 282 under the age of five.
Most of these individuals reported fleeing due to worsening insecurity, with several boats reportedly running out of fuel and arriving short of their destination.
In addition to those fleeing to Djibouti, the International Organization for Migration also recorded 1,327 migrants crossing by sea from Yemen to Djibouti as they returned to their countries of residence.
Within Yemen, families are increasingly seeking safety in southern regions.
The number of displaced people in Aden has more than doubled since October 7 to over 42,000, while Lahj hosts around 67,000 displaced individuals.
The International Organization for Migration stated that displaced families have taken shelter in 62 districts across 10 governorates, as far east as Al Maharah.
The situation for displaced families is dire, with many facing difficulties accessing clean water, healthcare, and basic services due to severe fuel shortages and soaring food and medicine prices.
Displaced individuals are often sheltering in overcrowded public buildings or sleeping outdoors without adequate sanitation.
The International Organization for Migration's chief of mission in Yemen, Abdusattor Esoev, emphasized the urgent need for support, stating that the scale and speed of this displacement is leaving families in desperate need of help.
Yemen has been embroiled in conflict since the Houthis seized Sanaa and several other provinces in 2014, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene in March 2015 in support of the internationally recognized government.
The conflict has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with millions of people in need of assistance.
The International Organization for Migration is working to provide aid to displaced families, but funding is falling short, and the organization is urging donors to increase support.