Nearly 130,000 displaced in Yemen due to escalating conflict

Geneva/Aden, 21 September 2026 – The latest data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) show that 129,438 people, or 21,573 households, have been displaced across seven governorates in Yemen as families flee escalating insecurity. "Nearly 130,000 people have been forced from their homes in just a few weeks. Many have already moved more than once to find safety," said Othman Belbeisi, IOM Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. “The numbers keep climbing. On 18 September we recorded 118,086 displaced people. Three days later, the figure has risen by 11,352”. Today's update from IOM's Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) shows that Ta'iz Governorate hosts the most displaced people, with 73,494. Lahj follows with 33,828, then Aden with 8,946 and Al Hodeidah with 8,244. Abyan (3,324), Hadramawt (1,008) and Ma'rib (594) have also received new arrivals. Jabal Habashi in Ta'iz is hosting the highest number of displaced people, with over 23,000 recorded. Meanwhile Al Madaribah Wa Al Aarah in Lahj hosts nearly 21,500, Al Ma'afer in Ta'iz has more than 16,500, and over 12,300 people have sought safety in Ash Shamayatayn.” “These are families who have lost their homes and their income,” said Belbeisi. “They are arriving in towns that were already struggling. Host communities are sharing the little they have, but they cannot do it alone. We need support now, for the people who have fled and for those who are taking them in." Meanwhile, as of yesterday evening of 20 September, 3,106 had crossed the Red Sea from Yemen to Djibouti. IOM is providing urgent assistance to many of them and is appealing for greater support. Send emergency aid to families in need: Donate here For more information, please visit IOM’s Media Centre.