Fighting in Yemen displaces 79,000 children

Fighting in western Yemen displaces 79,000 children in one month

UNICEF said that approximately 79,000 children were displaced by fighting in western Yemen between September 3 and 28. More than 145,000 people were displaced during the same period, while over 12 million children in the country need humanitarian assistance.

Scraper SystemOctober 02, 2026, 10:15 PM

Fighting in western Yemen displaces 79,000 children in one month

The renewed escalation of fighting in western Yemen has driven thousands of families from their homes, while UNICEF said that approximately 79,000 children were displaced between September 3 and 28. More than 145,000 people were displaced during the same period.

UNICEF said the resumption of fighting between government forces and the Houthis, along with changes in the front lines, had further deepened Yemen's severe humanitarian crisis. Families living in Taiz and Hudaydah governorates, as well as areas along and around the western coast, were forced to flee again, leaving behind their homes, possessions and livelihoods.

Displaced families struggle to access basic needs

Some families are living in overcrowded camps with limited access to clean water, health care and other basic necessities. Many families arrived at the camps with nothing more than the clothes they were wearing.

Hudeyde'de bir pazar (arşiv)

UNICEF said the new wave of fighting came as Yemen faced conditions in which humanitarian needs are among the highest in the world. More than 12 million children in the country need humanitarian assistance, while the fighting has damaged health and education services.

The organization called for humanitarian aid to reach children in need safely as it continues supporting affected communities.

Call for a ceasefire in Taiz

Hans Grundberg, the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, expressed serious concern over the escalation of fighting in Taiz governorate and called for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Hudeyde kenti (arşiv)

Yemen has seen the most extensive military escalation between government forces and the Houthis in three weeks in recent days. The fighting that began in July expanded after the relative calm established following the April 2022 ceasefire came to an end, and intensified further in September.

During the fighting, the Houthis seized control of several key positions in Hudaydah and Taiz governorates, advanced in these areas, including the strategic city of Mokha, and reached Mayyun Island overlooking the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Background to the war in Yemen

The war in Yemen began when the Houthis seized control of the capital, Sana'a, and several governorates in September 2014. The Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened in March 2015 to support the Yemeni government.

Fighting in western Yemen displaces 79,000 children in one month