HRW Warns of Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen’s Taiz, Says Aid Route Disruption Could Constitute War Crime

HRW Warns of Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen’s Taiz, Says Aid Route Disruption Could Constitute War Crime
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Human Rights Watch has warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Taiz, Yemen, after damage to the strategic Heijat al-Abd road threatened the delivery of food, medicine and fuel to hundreds of thousands of civilians. The organization said continued disruption of essential supplies could violate international humanitarian law and potentially constitute a war crime, depending on the circumstances.

In a statement issued on October 27, 2026, the rights group said Houthi forces caused significant damage to the road on October 18. The route is one of the main supply corridors serving Taiz, where residents have endured years of hardship and restricted access to essential goods.

Human Rights Watch cited the World Food Programme’s warning that more than 600,000 people in Taiz who depend on humanitarian assistance were inaccessible, while the city’s wheat flour stocks were nearing depletion. Restrictions on other supply routes have further heightened concerns about hunger and shortages of drinking water, medicines and fuel.

Niku Jafarnia, Human Rights Watch’s Yemen researcher, warned that damage to one of Taiz’s remaining vital commercial routes could deepen the crisis.