Yemen’s fighting intensifies as government forces target Houthis in Taiz and humanitarian crisis deepens
Government forces have stepped up air and ground assaults on Houthi positions in Taiz province, striking weapons depots and a gathering in the Hayfan district. The escalation has been accompanied by a surge in acute child malnutrition, with UNICEF reporting that more than 25% of screened children are acutely malnourished, 200 are classified as severe, and about 71,000 children have been displaced. UN agencies have recorded attacks on displacement camps and health centres, including three Houthi attacks that caused dozens of injuries and the deaths of five children.
Hospitals in Aden, Marib and Taiz are reporting severe bed shortages, limited supplies and power outages, forcing some services to be suspended. The UN rights chief has denounced the rising civilian toll as the conflict escalates.
How this was covered
- Reported people displaced range from 80,000 to 112,000 across outlets
Why it matters
The escalation threatens civilian safety and worsens an already severe humanitarian emergency in Yemen.
How this story developed
- Sep 11 Smoke spotted near Saudi East-West oil pipeline as Houthi advances intensify
- Sep 19 The Saudi Directorate of Civil Defence said the danger has passed in Riyadh and al‑Kharj and urged residents to continue following its instructions and avoid gathering or filming.
- Sep 19 The Houthis announced new missile and drone strikes on Riyadh and Yanbu.
- Sep 19 Saudi officials confirmed that Yemen's Houthi forces attempted a ballistic missile strike on Riyadh, which was intercepted, and also failed to hit targets in Yanbu, Taif, Baysh and Farasan.
- Sep 21 Fire on the tanker was extinguished after the projectile strike.
- Sep 22 The United States declined to conduct direct kinetic strikes against the Houthis.
- Sep 22 UN agencies warned that displacement could rise to over 230,000 if the fighting continues.
- Sep 23 A cargo ship was struck by an unknown projectile, igniting a fire and forcing crew evacuation.
- Sep 24 The Houthis seized the port city of Mocha and nearby Bab al‑Mandab positions.
- Sep 25 Trump publicly voiced support for Saudi self‑reliance against Houthi attacks.
- Sep 26 UN Security Council issued a condemnation of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
- Sep 26 Gulf leaders scheduled a meeting with Donald Trump to seek a diplomatic path with Iran.
- Sep 27 Government forces launched intensified air and ground attacks in Taiz province.
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