# Humanitarian and rights concerns in Taiz, Yemen

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/humanitarian-and-rights-concerns-in-taiz-yemen
> Updated: 2026-10-27T04:55:00.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 2.

Legal representatives and local authorities in Taiz have called for urgent international intervention to address escalating civilian suffering and alleged war crimes. Dr. Osama Al-Asbahi, president of the Lawyers Against Corruption network, previously urged the United Nations to investigate sieges and the restriction of essential resources. Local authorities and Yemeni military officials have since requested a specialized technical investigation into the suspected use of prohibited toxic or gaseous substances by Houthi militia forces. These reports allege that projectiles used in areas including Al-Aqroud and Kahlan have caused severe choking and loss of consciousness among civilians and members of the Popular Resistance.

The humanitarian crisis has reached critical levels. Taiz Governor Nabil Shamsan has declared that the city is experiencing famine due to Houthi blockades that have severed access to food, fuel, medicine, and water. Specifically, the daily water supply has reportedly dropped from 35,000 cubic meters to 5,000 liters, and gas shortages have forced the closure of many vital facilities. Human Rights Watch has noted that the prolonged siege could constitute a war crime by using starvation as a method of warfare.

The healthcare system is reportedly at a breaking point. Authorities warn that 42 health facilities could cease operations within days due to acute shortages of oxygen, medicine, and fuel. Reports indicate that 120 health centers are currently non-functional, and there have been instances of 15 ambulances and 22 intensive care beds being looted. While Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi has denied reports of a siege, claiming humanitarian routes remain open, the World Food Program continues to report significant difficulty in reaching those in need.

## Claims

- Affected individuals reported symptoms including respiratory distress and loss of consciousness. (reported by 10 sources)
- Authorities called for the United Nations and international organizations to support the investigation. (reported by 9 sources)
- Taiz local authorities requested an urgent technical investigation into suspected Houthi use of toxic shells. (reported by 7 sources)
- The alleged use of munitions occurred in the Al-Aqrood and Kahlan areas. (reported by 7 sources)
- Taiz Governor Nabil Shamsan reports the city is experiencing famine. (reported by 7 sources)
- A Saudi airstrike in western Taiz killed at least 13 people. (reported by 5 sources)
- The World Food Program reported it could not reach over 600,000 people in Taiz. (reported by 5 sources)
- Gas and fuel shortages have forced the closure of many restaurants and vital facilities. (reported by 4 sources)
- 120 health centers are completely non-functional and 66 are partially non-functional. (reported by 3 sources)
- 15 ambulances and 22 intensive care beds have been looted. (reported by 3 sources)
- Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi denied reports of the siege. (reported by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: Taiz facing famine and toxic shell allegations amid escalating conflict

Taiz governor declares famine in besieged Taiz as authorities demand probes into suspected use of toxic shells by Houthi forces.

21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/taiz-authorities-call-for-un-investigation-into-suspected-chemical-weapons-use

### 2026-10-20: Lawyer calls for international investigation into Taiz civilian violations

Lawyer Osama Al-Asbahi is calling for UN-led independent investigations into civilian rights violations and humanitarian restrictions in Taiz, demanding accountability for those responsible.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lawyer-calls-for-international-investigation-into-taiz-civilian-violations

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Cite as: Humanitarian and rights concerns in Taiz, Yemen. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/humanitarian-and-rights-concerns-in-taiz-yemen