UN: The number of displaced people in Yemen exceeded 250 thousand

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh made evaluations at the weekly press conference of the UN Geneva Office regarding the situation in Yemen, where conflicts are taking place.

Underlining that displacement cases continue to increase rapidly across Yemen, Saltmarsh said, "As of October 17 (since August 1), the number of displaced people has increased from the previously reported level of approximately 213 thousand to over 250 thousand. Taiz, which is the center of displacement, continues to be a source of particular concern. While the region accounts for 76 percent of the displaced, it also hosts 52 percent of the newly displaced." he said.

Saltmarsh noted that the most frequently expressed need among newly displaced families was shelter (35 percent), followed by food (33 percent) and cash aid (22 percent).

Reminding that there are more than 65 thousand refugees and asylum seekers in Yemen, the majority of whom come from Somalia and Ethiopia, Saltmarsh said that these people are among those most affected by the reignited conflicts.

Saltmarsh said that as of October 17, 3,836 people from Yemen arrived in Djibouti, and 242 people, including returnees and refugees, arrived in Somalia.

Pointing out that this situation shows that people affected by the conflicts continue to search for a safe place, Saltmarsh said:

"No new arrivals from Yemen to Djibouti were reported between 8-14 October. After a boat going from Djibouti to Yemen capsized on the night of 8-9 October 2026, the dead bodies of a total of 139 people, 109 of whom were identified, were found. The bodies were buried in accordance with religious rituals. 82 victims whose identities were determined are receiving support in line with their needs."

Conflicts in Yemen

While the conflicts between government forces and the Houthis in Yemen have increased recently, the Iranian-backed Houthis are targeting Saudi Arabia with ballistic missiles and UAVs, claiming that they are being attacked.

Yemen is the scene of a civil war that started after the Iran-backed Houthis took control of the capital Sanaa and some provinces in September 2014.

The Arab Coalition led by Saudi Arabia has been supporting the Yemeni government, which is recognized by the international community, since March 2015.