Yemen: Over 300,000 Displaced by Escalating Fighting in West

Yemen: Over 300,000 Displaced by Escalating Fighting in West
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The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen, reporting that more than 300,000 people have been forced to flee their homes amid escalating fighting in western parts of the country. Most of the displacement has occurred over the past two months, leaving tens of thousands of families struggling to find shelter and meet their basic needs.

In a statement released Sunday, the IOM said restrictions on humanitarian access were hampering aid deliveries as needs continued to outpace response capacity. The fighting has also driven up the cost of essential goods, with prices in Taiz rising three to five times following the closure of roads connecting the city to surrounding areas.

IOM Yemen mission chief Abdesattar Essouf warned that without additional funding, thousands of families could be left without essential assistance. The organization said it needs an additional $45 million to support its humanitarian response over the next six months, including shelter, emergency cash assistance, healthcare, clean water, sanitation and protection services.

The IOM called on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and humanitarian workers and ensure safe, unhindered access to people in need, particularly in hard-to-reach areas of Taiz Governorate.