Fighting flares across Yemen's West Coast, displacing 18,500 in 72 hours

Aden/Geneva, 7 September 2026 — Renewed hostilities along Yemen's western coast and in parts of Taiz and Al-Hodeidah have forced thousands of people from their homes, with civilians reportedly among those killed and injured as clashes intensify. Approximately 18,500 people have been displaced in the governorates of Taiz and Al-Hodeidah since hostilities escalated rapidly on September 3, according to the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Displacement Tracking Matrix, government and partners. The number is increasing by the hour as families continue to arrive in host communities and displacement sites. “Families are arriving with nothing: no shelter, no food, no way to know if it's safe to go back,” said Abdusattor Esoev, IOM Yemen’s Chief of Mission. “Many of these are people who have already been displaced once, twice, even four times before. Every time fighting flares up, they lose whatever little they had managed to rebuild. We are particularly concerned by reports that some families may be unable to leave frontline areas safely because of continuing hostilities and insecurity along access routes.” Reports indicate significant displacement from affected communities in Maqbanah, Al Ma’afer and Jabal Habashi, including Al-Hajab, Al-Rajehi, Hajjat Gabeh and Al Kadaha. Renewed fighting has also reportedly caused secondary displacement among families previously living in displacement sites in Hays. Urban centres and host communities across South Taiz and the West Coast, including Al Mokha, Hays, Mawza, Al Ma’afer and Jabal Habashi, are experiencing significant pressure due to the continued influx of newly displaced families fleeing ongoing hostilities. With displacement figures continuing to rise, and local capacities overstretched, authorities have issued urgent appeals to humanitarian partners and UN agencies for additional support to address growing needs. Challenges in road access due to ongoing clashes and disruption of telecommunications networks in the affected districts are slowing efforts to reach, register and verify newly displaced families, complicating an already difficult response. Emergency stocks, particularly food assistance, shelter and household items are severely depleted following recent flood and West Coast responses, leaving humanitarian partners with little to distribute to families arriving at reception sites. Displaced families are urgently in need of cash assistance, emergency shelter, essential household items and food assistance. At reception sites and throughout host communities, access to safe drinking water and hygiene support remains problematic. In addition, affected populations urgently require emergency healthcare and referral pathways for the injured. “At the same time, we recognize the presence of migrants using the Eastern Route who may also become trapped or stranded in these areas as a result of the deteriorating security situation and restrictions on movement. Their limited access to assistance, information, safe shelter, voluntary humanitarian return, and essential services may further increase their vulnerabilities and exposure to protection risks,” noted Esoev. IOM is working alongside Yemen's Executive Units for Internally Displaced People and humanitarian partners to track, verify and consolidate displacement figures, identify people in urgent need, and mobilize resources for a rapid response. Already, 663 households have been reached with vital household items across Taiz and Hodeidah governorates, while further supplies are on the way. IOM calls on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians, allow safe passage for families trying to flee, and ensure unimpeded humanitarian access to those still trapped by the fighting. The Organization is urging donors to urgently replenish emergency stocks and fund the response, as the scale of need continues to outpace available resources. For further information please contact IOM Media Centre.