Yemen conflict intensifies as 1,400 people flee to Djibouti in 24 hours

OBOCK, Djibouti: The worsening conflict in Yemen has forced approximately 1,400 people to flee across the Red Sea to Djibouti within just 24 hours, highlighting the growing humanitarian crisis caused by escalating violence around the strategic Bab el-Mandeb strait.

The new arrivals reached the coastal city of Obock as fighting intensified in Yemen and Houthi forces expanded their presence around key coastal areas, according to reports by Al Jazeera and Agence France-Presse.

Djibouti’s Economy and Finance Minister Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh said around 1,400 refugees had arrived from Yemen in a single day. His statement underlined the speed at which the latest escalation has triggered a new wave of displacement across the narrow maritime passage.

The arrivals came shortly after another rescue operation brought approximately 500 people to Obock. The group had reportedly been stranded at sea after their boats ran out of fuel.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said women and children were among those arriving in Djibouti. The agency warned that additional refugees could reach the country in the coming days as insecurity continues to spread along Yemen’s western coastline.

Obock becomes refuge for fleeing Yemenis

Located roughly 20 kilometres across the sea from Yemen’s coast, Obock has become an important arrival point for people escaping the prolonged conflict.

The town has received refugees and migrants fleeing Yemen for years, but the latest surge has placed additional pressure on humanitarian services and rescue operations.

According to the IOM, approximately 76,000 people have been displaced by fighting in Yemen since July. The agency said the pace of displacement has accelerated as tensions have intensified in recent days.

The latest movement has raised concerns about the safety of people attempting to cross the sea in overcrowded or poorly equipped boats.

Houthi advances raise regional concerns

The latest displacement wave follows reports that Houthi forces seized control of the Red Sea port city of Mokha on Thursday.

Following the reported capture, the group advanced towards coastal areas and islands near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, according to the information provided by regional media.

The military developments have reportedly forced families in several areas to abandon their homes and seek safety elsewhere.

The Bab el-Mandeb is one of the world’s most important maritime passages, linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Any instability in the area has implications beyond Yemen, potentially affecting international shipping, trade routes and regional security.

The growing movement of refugees has also renewed concerns over the humanitarian consequences of the conflict, particularly for civilians living near the coast.

Humanitarian pressure mounts

Aid agencies face the challenge of assisting newly arrived refugees while preparing for further movements from Yemen.

Women, children and other vulnerable people may require shelter, food, medical care and protection after dangerous sea journeys.

The recent rescue of hundreds of people whose boats ran out of fuel has also highlighted the risks faced by those attempting to escape the conflict by sea.

As fighting continues and territorial control shifts along Yemen’s western coast, humanitarian organizations are monitoring the situation closely.

The arrival of 1,400 people in just 24 hours serves as a stark reminder that the conflict is not only destroying communities inside Yemen but is also driving a growing refugee crisis across the Red Sea.

With further arrivals expected, Djibouti and humanitarian agencies may face increasing pressure to provide emergency assistance and ensure the safety of those fleeing the violence.