Key facts
- Over 160 people have been killed in Yemen in the past three days due to escalating conflict.
- The fighting involves Iran-aligned Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces for control of strategic Red Sea heights.
- Thousands of Yemenis are fleeing across the Red Sea to Djibouti.
- Houthi military officials reported at least 118 deaths from clashes and Saudi strikes.
- Yemeni government sources stated at least 36 deaths on their side.
- The Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of striking the port city of Mocha, killing six civilians, and a prison, killing nine detainees.
Thousands of Yemenis are fleeing across the Red Sea to Djibouti as conflict between Iran-aligned Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces escalates over strategic Red Sea heights. The fighting has resulted in over 160 reported deaths in the past three days, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Houthi military officials stated that at least 118 people were killed in clashes and Saudi air and artillery strikes across several provinces since Sunday. Yemeni government sources reported at least 36 deaths on their side. The Houthis also accused Saudi Arabia of striking the port city of Mocha, killing six civilians, and a prison in al-Jawf province, killing nine detainees.
The renewed fighting follows a Houthi offensive launched three weeks prior, which saw the group seize significant territory along Yemen's Red Sea coast, including the crucial Bab al-Mandab strait, a key shipping lane for 10% of global maritime traffic. This offensive has upended global energy markets and expanded the regional scope of the US-Iran conflict.
The UN estimates that about 22 million people need humanitarian assistance, and 5.2 million are already internally displaced. If fighting continues, displacement within Yemen could rise to 230,000, with over 10,000 potentially fleeing to Djibouti, according to the UN refugee agency.
Saudi Arabia has conducted hundreds of strikes in an effort to halt the Houthi advance, with limited success. US President Donald Trump reportedly considered striking the Houthis but ultimately decided against it. The UK stated it would assist with aerial refuelling for Saudi defensive missions. G7 members have urged Iran to cease arming the Houthis and to stop all military actions and threats against civilian shipping.