UN Warns of Escalating Displacement in Yemen as Thousands Flee to Djibouti
The United Nations has issued a stark warning regarding a potential surge in displacement from Yemen, projecting that up to 10,000 refugees could flee across the Red Sea to Djibouti, and over 230,000 people could be internally displaced within Yemen. This anticipated increase is a direct consequence of renewed fighting in the country, particularly after Iran-aligned Houthi rebels seized control of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline earlier this month. This offensive has resulted in hundreds of casualties, threatened global trade routes, and contributed to rising energy prices. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) spokesperson, Babar Baloch, indicated that more than 3,000 people have already made the dangerous sea crossing to Djibouti this month, and this number is expected to rise significantly after mid-October when sea conditions improve. This new wave of displacement adds to the 5.2 million people already internally displaced in Yemen before the recent escalation.
