Houthi surge forces tens of thousands from Taiz camps into makeshift shelters

Following a rapid Houthi offensive that seized the Red Sea port of Mocha and the entire coastline, civilians from Taiz governorate have been forced to flee, creating an internal displacement crisis of over 100,000 people. United Nations refugee agencies report that 65,845 individuals were displaced between August 10 and September 15, primarily from the hardest-hit districts of Jabal Habashi, al-Maafer, Maqbana, al-Wazi’iyah and Mawza.

Over 1,500 families have arrived at camps such as Mushrifa in Wadi Bikhawlan and al-Munij near Al-Bireen, many living outdoors without doors, water or toilets. Residents like 70-year-old Hajja Fatima Mohammed Saleh describe crawling for miles in rain after abandoning a wheelchair, while others recount losing livestock and supplies. Government officials caution that the capital Taiz remains a likely next objective for the rebels, which could further strain already scarce humanitarian aid. The conflict’s expansion also threatens the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait, heightening international concerns over global shipping routes.