Yemen crisis: Refugee surge and regional diplomatic responses

The Yemen Scholars Association has expressed support for a statement issued by the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah al-Fawzan, regarding Houthi militia attacks against the Yemeni people and neighboring Saudi Arabia. The Association praised the Mufti's stance as a reflection of shared religious and regional ties, while calling on the Yemeni people to unite to restore the state and protect human dignity.

Simultaneously, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is preparing to receive over 10,000 Yemeni refugees in Djibouti. Increased fighting in Yemen, particularly in the western coastal areas and near Bab al-Mandab, has driven a surge in maritime crossings. As of September 18, over 3,600 new arrivals were recorded in Djibouti, which already hosts approximately 4,000 Yemeni refugees, while Somalia hosts around 8,000.

The UNHCR has declared a Level 1 emergency in Yemen, Djibouti, and Somalia to mobilize resources. The agency warned that intensifying conflict could lead to even larger displacement waves and noted that its Djibouti office has received only 15 percent of the required funding, urgently requesting $13.5 million to provide essential protection and services.