Yemen Conflict Displaces 290,000, With 6,100 Pregnant Women Facing Crisis

The United Nations humanitarian office reported that 290,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since hostilities resumed in August. The organization, known as OCHA, identified a specific vulnerability among the newly displaced population. It noted that 6,100 pregnant women are now living in temporary sites. Of that group, 600 women are expected to give birth within the next two weeks.

OCHA published a report on Friday detailing the deteriorating conditions for 65,000 refugees and asylum seekers in the country. The document states that services are disrupted and prices for food and fuel are rising quickly. In response, the UN deployed mobile teams and midwives to displacement sites. Aid groups have also provided food, hygiene supplies, and emergency cash to approximately 249,000 individuals. This figure represents about three-quarters of all displaced persons.

The fighting between forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognized government and Houthi rebels has intensified in recent weeks. Combat is heaviest in Taiz governorate and along coastal areas. The conflict has also crossed the border into Saudi Arabia. On Saturday, the Saudi-led coalition announced it intercepted and destroyed a hostile drone over the Riyadh region. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said authorities were inspecting the site and that no casualties were reported. This marked the second interception over the capital area in two days.

Saudi Arabia previously reported downing drones near Mecca, Medina, and Riyadh on Friday. It also intercepted a Houthi missile aimed at the kingdom’s south. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, rejected the claims of attacks on Saudi territory. He called the assertions egregious lies. The Houthi group has consistently denied targeting Islam’s two holiest cities while claiming responsibility for strikes on Riyadh’s airports and oil infrastructure. The group’s attack on King Khalid International Airport on October 10 killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 300.

In Yemen, the government announced on Friday that Houthis fired at least three ballistic missiles at the Maashiq presidential palace in Aden. Aden serves as the interim capital. The Houthis also targeted Aden International airport. The airport had reopened on Thursday after repairs following an earlier strike. Both the palace and the airport have faced repeated attacks in recent weeks. The government cabinet described the airport strike as a direct attack on citizens and accused the Houthis of trying to disrupt legitimate institutions.

Majed Abdullah al-Nuzaili, a spokesman for government forces, said his units neutralized about 336 Houthi fighters and commanders in recent hours. He stated that forces destroyed or damaged 112 vehicles and pieces of equipment. The attacks involved warplanes, drones, artillery, and rocket launchers targeting command centers and supply routes. The fronts included Taiz, Marib, al-Jawf, and al-Bayda.

The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms recorded thousands of Houthi violations in Taiz province between September 1 and October 29. The group counted at least 189 civilian deaths, including 38 children and 27 women. It also documented 23 field executions and more than 300 abductions or enforced disappearances. The UN verified 270 civilian casualties since August, including 68 killed, with half of those being children. Roads closed by the fighting now block food, medicine, fuel, and water to two million people in the vicinity.

Yemen’s war began in September 2014 when Houthi forces captured Sanaa. A Saudi-led coalition intervened in March 2015 to support government-aligned troops. After several truces, fighting reignited when government forces targeted Sanaa International airport. This action prevented a plane carrying a Houthi delegation from landing. The Houthis subsequently launched an offensive on Yemen’s coast, taking control of the Bab al-Mandeb strait. Yemen’s government has announced an offensive to retake these territories.

Saudi Foreign Affairs Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud attended a G20 meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday. He discussed the Yemen situation with counterparts from the United States, Russia, and Europe. Prince Faisal and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand issued a joint statement condemning the Houthi attacks on the kingdom during the sidelines of the meeting.