UNHCR: Over 100,000 People Displaced by Conflict in Yemen

More than 100,000 people have been forced from their homes inside Yemen as the conflict escalates, while thousands of others have fled by boat to Djibouti, the UN refugee agency announced today.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said the humanitarian situation in the country is deteriorating, as efforts to help the affected population face major difficulties.

“Humanitarian access remains a major challenge,” UNHCR said in a statement. According to the agency, insecurity, damaged roads, communications disruptions and movement restrictions are hampering aid operations.

The conflict in Yemen has escalated after the Iran-linked Houthi rebels increased attacks on Saudi cities and Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure.

Houthi forces have also advanced along the Red Sea coast, toward the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a strategic point for international maritime transport.

In response to the Houthi offensive, Saudi and Yemeni government air forces have carried out bombings against rebel targets.

The fighting has caused a new wave of displacements and raised concerns about civilian safety. Thousands of people who fled Yemen by sea have arrived in Djibouti, in an attempt to escape the violence.