**Title: Over 112,000 Displaced by Escalating Conflict in Yemen, Thousands Seek Refuge in Djibouti**
**Date: September 18, 2026**
As the conflict in Yemen intensifies, the United Nations reports that more than 112,000 individuals have been displaced within the country, with approximately 3,000 fleeing to Djibouti. The ongoing violence primarily involves clashes between the Iran-aligned Houthi movement and Saudi-backed forces loyal to the internationally recognized Yemeni government.
The displacement crisis has escalated dramatically over the past two weeks, particularly affecting regions along the west coast and the provinces of Taiz and Lahj. This surge in displacement coincides with the Houthis' rapid territorial gains, including their recent control over the entire Red Sea coast, a strategic area that encompasses the vital Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Abdusattor Esoev, the mission chief in Yemen for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), expressed grave concerns regarding the humanitarian situation. He noted that resources for displaced individuals are dwindling rapidly, stating, "Our resources are very, very, very limited and our stocks will be depleted very soon." The IOM estimates that nearly half of Yemen's population, approximately 22 million people, are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
In addition to the internally displaced population, the situation poses a significant threat to over 65,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers in Yemen, many of whom hail from Somalia and Ethiopia. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) representative, Francesco Galtieri, highlighted the dire circumstances faced by displaced women and children, noting that thousands of women have lost their possessions and are fleeing with their children. Among the displaced, Galtieri estimated that around 2,000 pregnant women are in need of urgent medical assistance, with approximately 200 expected to give birth imminently.
The journey to safety has led about 3,000 Yemenis to make the perilous crossing to Djibouti by boat. The UN refugee agency reported that more than 2,400 individuals undertook this journey in just the past week, with the majority being women, children, and elderly persons. The shortest distance across the Bab al-Mandeb Strait is just over 25 kilometers, making it a critical escape route for those fleeing the violence.
The influx of refugees into Djibouti is placing additional strain on the country's resources. Djibouti, which has a population of about one million, already hosts around 36,000 refugees, predominantly from Somalia and Ethiopia. Sandrine Desamours, a representative of the UNHCR, emphasized the importance of considering the scale of this new influx in relation to Djibouti's population size, stating, "While the number may sound small, it must be seen in proportion to the population."
The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is strategically significant, linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. It has emerged as an alternative shipping route amid the ongoing tensions in the region, particularly as the United States' confrontations with Iran have impacted the Strait of Hormuz.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with calls for increased support and intervention to address the escalating needs of those affected by the conflict in Yemen.