According to UN estimates, more than 280,000 people in Yemen have been forced to leave their homes since the start of August this year as a result of fighting. People fled because of renewed clashes between Yemeni government forces and the Houthis, dpa international reports.
The confrontation intensified in July after around four years of relative calm. Over the past three weeks, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated significantly, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said.
Damage to a key road linking the city of Taiz with the southern governorates has forced humanitarian supplies onto narrow mountain routes. Medical services have come under attack and have been operating under an ever-increasing burden.
Three quarters of displaced people were living in places lacking shelter, clean water and sanitation. More than 230,000 people need emergency assistance with water supply and sanitation. The UN Population Fund warned of cases of sexual violence, human trafficking and forced marriages, especially in overcrowded accommodation sites.
The Houthis are carrying out missile strikes on numerous targets and are also conducting a ground operation around Taiz. The Houthis’ actions threaten key supply routes, including ports and airports.
The war between government forces and the Houthis, who are backed by Iran, has been ongoing since 2014. At that time, the group exploited anti-government sentiment over cuts to fuel subsidies and began seizing territory. Since then, the Houthis have controlled part of the country and the capital, Sanaa.
This summer, the Houthis stepped up attacks against the backdrop of the war between Iran and US and Israeli forces. The group is attacking not only government targets but also other areas, including Saudi Arabia.