International Organization for Migration: Over 22,000 people displaced in one week due to Houthi escalation in Taiz.

International Organization for Migration Reports Displacement of 22,000 People in One Week

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced that nearly 22,000 individuals have been displaced in just the past week due to the military escalation by the Houthi militia in several districts of Taiz Governorate. This surge in violence has increased the total number of displaced persons since August to over 184,000.

In a recent report, the IOM indicated that from September 27 to October 3, 21,798 individuals, representing 3,633 families, were displaced. This figure marks a 26% increase compared to the previous week. Additionally, on October 4 alone, the organization recorded the displacement of 1,079 families (6,474 individuals), all of whom urgently require food, shelter, and essential humanitarian assistance.

Widespread Movements Within and Outside Taiz

The IOM clarified that most displaced families in Taiz relocated to other areas within the governorate in search of safety, totaling 2,838 families. Meanwhile, other families fled to the governorates of Lahij, Aden, Shabwa, Marib, Hadramout, and Al Mahrah.

According to the organization, the recent escalation has led to the displacement of over 184,000 individuals between August 1 and October 4, with the majority displaced since the beginning of September. This situation represents one of the largest waves of displacement the governorate has experienced in years.

UN Warnings of Escalating Displacement

Amy Pope, the Director General of the International Organization for Migration, stated, “As the intensity of the conflict escalates, more people find themselves caught in a horrific cycle of displacement, living in fear for their lives and facing an uncertain future.” The organization anticipates further waves of displacement in the coming days due to ongoing developments on the ground. It confirmed that a displacement tracking mechanism continues to monitor population movements daily to direct assistance to the most affected areas.

Intensified Houthi Offensive in Taiz

For weeks, the Houthi militia has launched intense military attacks in several districts of Taiz Governorate, accompanied by heavy shelling targeting residential neighborhoods and civilian gatherings. This violence has forced thousands of citizens to repeatedly flee in search of safer areas.

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