Nearly 50,000 civilians have fled their homes in western Yemen as Iran-backed Houthi forces rapidly advance along the country’s Red Sea coast. The offensive has seen the Houthis seize several towns, including the strategic port city of Mocha, forcing families to leave amid intensifying fighting. The International Organization for Migration said the displacement figure is continuing to rise.
The latest offensive has also brought the Houthis closer to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a crucial maritime chokepoint linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. The group’s territorial gains have raised concerns over international shipping and global energy supplies, particularly as the region is already facing heightened tensions.
The United Nations has warned that Yemen is now facing its most serious escalation since the 2022 truce. Humanitarian agencies are calling for safe access to affected communities and protection for civilians and aid workers, as displaced families struggle for shelter, food and medical assistance.