At least 46,000 displaced by escalating Yemen fighting: UN

United Nations data show that fighting between Houthi rebels and government forces in Yemen has forced more than 46,000 people from their homes, with the International Organisation for Migration saying the total is increasing "by the hour." The IOM called on all sides to allow safe humanitarian access and to protect civilians, aid workers and humanitarian assets operating on the ground.

Aid officials reported that many families fled Mocha overnight with whatever belongings they could carry after the Iran-aligned Houthi movement captured the strategically important Red Sea port city on Thursday. In some areas entire villages were reportedly abandoned as people sought safety, prompting appeals from the IOM for corridors through which relief can reach the displaced.

The UN also raised alarm after reports that Houthi fighters had taken control of a strategically placed island in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and that they now control Yemen's entire Red Sea coastline. Separately, UN spokespeople said a key humanitarian compound in Mocha and its assets were seized; staff had evacuated before the takeover and were accounted for, but the UN stressed that personnel, premises and relief supplies must be protected to allow life-saving assistance to continue.

Researchers warn the latest escalation will deepen Yemen's already dire humanitarian emergency. Farea Al-Muslimi of Chatham House said the country was already experiencing one of the world's worst crises, exacerbated by previous restrictions on aid and the erosion of the economy. He cautioned the current fighting could produce two further harms: more internal displacement — noting over 10,000 families were displaced in the past week alone — and higher prices for goods, with wider implications for violence and suffering both inside and beyond Yemen.