Houthi rebels advance in Yemen, displacing 125,000 people

More than 125,000 people have fled their homes as Iran-backed Houthi rebels advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast toward a critical maritime chokepoint. The offensive, linked to the broader conflict involving Iran, has threatened Saudi Arabian oil exports and contributed to rising global fuel prices and market instability.

The humanitarian impact on Yemenis is severe. The country, already weakened by a previous phase of civil war that killed an estimated 150,000 people, faces extreme hardship due to a Saudi-led blockade and repressive Houthi rule. Displaced civilians report intense shelling and shrapnel during their flight from front lines toward cities like Taiz.

As the Houthi-controlled territory expands, the fragmented Saudi-backed government has struggled to mount an effective defense. Many displaced families are now living in makeshift tents or crowded homes, facing food insecurity and limited access to medical care.