RismadarVoice Reporters
October 31, 2026
The United Nations has raised concerns over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen, revealing that more than 290,000 people have been displaced since renewed fighting erupted in August 2026.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) disclosed the figures on Friday, October 30, warning that escalating clashes between government forces and Houthi rebels were exposing vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women and children, to serious health and security risks.
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), approximately 6,100 pregnant women are among those recently displaced, including 600 expected to give birth within two weeks.
The agency warned that disrupted healthcare services, insecurity and restricted humanitarian access were making it increasingly difficult for expectant mothers to obtain essential medical assistance.
UNFPA has deployed mobile medical teams and midwives to displacement camps, providing maternal healthcare supplies and emergency support.
Humanitarian organisations have also delivered food, hygiene materials and emergency financial assistance to approximately 249,000 displaced people.
Meanwhile, the UN Refugee Agency reported that more than 65,000 refugees and asylum seekers living in Yemen were facing deteriorating conditions because of disrupted services and rising food and fuel prices.
The humanitarian emergency comes as fighting intensifies in Taiz governorate and along Yemen’s western coastal regions.
According to the UN, at least 270 civilian casualties have been verified since August, including 68 deaths, with children accounting for approximately half of those killed.
The Yemeni government has also accused Houthi forces of launching ballistic missiles towards the presidential palace and international airport in Aden.
Government military officials claimed that recent operations had incapacitated approximately 336 Houthi fighters and commanders, although the figures have not been independently verified.
Regional tensions have also increased following reports of drone attacks near Saudi Arabia.
On Saturday, the Saudi-led military coalition announced that its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed a drone over the Riyadh region, with no injuries reported.
However, Houthi representatives denied responsibility for certain alleged attacks targeting Saudi territory.
The continuing conflict has severely disrupted transportation routes and access to food, medicine, fuel and clean water.
The United Nations has urged all parties to protect civilians, respect international humanitarian law and guarantee safe, unrestricted access for humanitarian assistance.
Yemen’s conflict began in 2014 and escalated following the Saudi-led military intervention in March 2015.
