Yemenis Flee Red Sea as Houthis and Saudi-Backed Forces Escalate War

As the conflict between Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen continues to escalate, thousands of Yemenis are fleeing across the Red Sea to seek refuge in Djibouti. Over 120,000 people have been displaced by the sudden surge in fighting along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, according to the United Nations.

• More than 3,000 refugees have arrived in Djibouti in the last few days.
• The Houthis have made a lightning advance down the Red Sea coast towards Bab al-Mandab.
• Saudi Arabia has responded with hundreds of air strikes along the coastal plain.

Escape from Yemen

Ibrahim Issa, 50, a fisherman from the Yemeni coastal town of Dhubab, sits with his family in a vast open-sided warehouse at Markazi camp in Obock, northern Djibouti. The family fled by boat across the Bab al-Mandab Strait after their home became the front line of the war.

Fleeing by Boat

As a fisherman, Ibrahim Issa owned a boat large enough to bring out his family from Yemen. He even brought several of the family’s goats, which can be seen nibbling at scraps nearby. Some families have brought small bundles of possessions, while others have arrived with just the clothes they left in.

The Conflict Escalates

The Houthis have launched hundreds of drones and missiles at cities and infrastructure in south-western Saudi Arabia, leading to air raid alerts in Riyadh. The conflict has been ongoing for years, but the recent surge in fighting has brought a new level of danger to the region.

Displacement Crisis

The UN estimates that over 120,000 people have been displaced by the conflict, with many more expected to follow. The Markazi camp in Djibouti is currently home to thousands of Yemeni refugees, with many more on their way.

No End in Sight

Djibouti has made it clear that it will not get involved in the conflict, despite being one of the most militarized nations in Africa. The US runs a huge multinational base in the country, and China also has a presence.

Conclusion

The conflict between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen continues to escalate, with thousands of Yemenis fleeing across the Red Sea to seek refuge in Djibouti. The situation is dire, with no end in sight to the violence and displacement.

FAQs

Q1: What is the current situation in Yemen?
A1: The conflict between Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen has escalated, with thousands of people displaced and no end in sight to the violence.

Q2: Why are people fleeing to Djibouti?
A2: People are fleeing to Djibouti to escape the fighting and air strikes in Yemen. The country is one of the closest and most accessible places for those seeking refuge.

Q3: What is the UN’s estimate of the number of people displaced by the conflict?
A3: The UN estimates that over 120,000 people have been displaced by the conflict in Yemen.

Q4: Is Djibouti involved in the conflict?
A4: Djibouti has made it clear that it will not get involved in the conflict between the Houthis and the Saudi-backed government of Yemen.

Q5: What is the US presence in Djibouti?
A5: The US runs a huge multinational base in Djibouti, known as Camp Lemonnier.