Yemen conflict intensifies as Saudi‑backed forces plan major offensive and hunger reaches record levels
Saudi Arabia is formulating a new military push to dislodge Iran‑backed Houthi forces that have seized the Bab el‑Mandeb strait, with plans that could involve more than 100,000 Yemeni soldiers under Saudi oversight, Saudi air support and U.S. intelligence assistance, while Turkey, Pakistan and France are providing defensive systems and equipment. Intense fighting in the highlands of Taiz governorate has left at least 80 people dead, according to sources on both sides.
The World Food Programme says a record number of Yemenis in government‑held areas now face severe food shortages, with three out of four families regularly missing meals. The escalation threatens Red Sea shipping routes and deepens the humanitarian crisis in the region.
How this was covered
- Reported people displaced range from 80,000 to 112,000 across outlets
Why it matters
The fighting and planned offensive could disrupt a vital global shipping chokepoint and push millions of Yemenis further into hunger.
How this story developed
- Sep 11 Renewed Yemen fighting forces over 46,000 people from their homes
- Sep 16 Saudi coalition announced a drone it said was Houthi‑linked was heading toward Mecca and triggered a brief security alert.
- Sep 18 Since the earlier report of 86,000 displaced, the UN now says over 112,000 have been forced from their homes.
- Sep 18 The Ethiopian federal army says roughly 300 TPLF combatants have laid down their arms near the Tekeze river, citing discontent with the group's war preparations.
- Sep 22 UN agencies warned that displacement could rise to over 230,000 if the fighting continues.
- Sep 23 Ethiopian Airlines posted a flight suspension following the reported airport seizure.
- Sep 25 Trump publicly voiced support for Saudi self‑reliance against Houthi attacks.
- Sep 25 Federal forces and TPLF fighters clashed in Afar while a telecom blackout hit Tigray.
- Sep 27 Government forces launched intensified air and ground attacks in Taiz province.
- Sep 27 France announced a military mission to Saudi Arabia.
- Sep 29 Alamata, a strategic logistics hub near the Amhara border, fell to federal forces.
- Oct 2 Saudi Arabia has moved from planning to actively preparing a large‑scale offensive to retake the Bab el‑Mandeb strait.
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