October 23, 2026 — Nearly 260,000 people have been forced from their homes in Yemen since August as fighting spreads, with the southwestern province of Taiz now at the centre of the crisis, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, separately reported on October 20 that more than 250,000 people were displaced between August 1 and October 17, up from about 213,000 in its previous count.
Yemen displacement: where people are fleeing
Taiz is both the main source and the main destination of the new displacement. UNHCR says the province accounts for about 76 percent of departures and hosts 52 percent of the newly displaced. Lahj hosts around 23 percent and Aden about 13 percent. OCHA reports that roughly half of all those displaced since August have taken refuge within Taiz itself, where fighting is now concentrated.
The escalation follows a counteroffensive by forces of Yemen’s internationally recognised government, backed by the Saudi-led coalition, against the Houthi movement, which controls much of northern and western Yemen. Aid agencies say access restrictions continue to slow their work in several areas.
Key facts
- Displaced since August: nearly 260,000 (OCHA); more than 250,000 between Aug 1 and Oct 17 (UNHCR)
- Most affected province: Taiz — 76% of departures, 52% of newly displaced (UNHCR)
- Other host areas: Lahj (about 23%) and Aden (about 13%)
- Aid reached: more than 174,000 displaced people since August, with food, hygiene kits and emergency cash (OCHA)
- Shelter gap: about 33,700 families still need shelter assistance (UNHCR)
- Education: more than 2.5 million children out of school because of the conflict, according to Yemen’s Ministry of Education
What displaced families need most
Newly displaced families have told aid workers that shelter is their most urgent need, followed by food and cash, OCHA says. Humanitarian partners have reached close to six in ten displaced households since August. UNHCR and its partners had assessed more than 12,000 displaced households across Abyan, Aden, Marib, Lahj and Taiz by October 17, finding that about 2,050 families had no shelter at all. The agency describes funding for the wider response as severely short.
Schools at the Kharaz refugee camp in Lahj, home to more than 9,400 refugees, closed again on October 11 because of worsening security, UNHCR added. OCHA’s latest updates on Taiz are available on ReliefWeb.
Why Yemen matters to the Muslim Ummah
Yemen holds a special place in Islamic history; the Rasool ﷺ is reported to have praised the people of Yemen for their gentle hearts and faith. Today it remains one of the poorest countries in the Arab world, and years of war have left millions dependent on aid. The latest displacement adds to a crisis that has already stretched families, hospitals and schools to their limits.
For Muslims in India and elsewhere who wish to help, scholars advise giving Sadaqah and Zakat only through registered, transparent relief organisations with a proven presence in Yemen, and keeping receipts. Be cautious of unverified social media appeals. Alongside material help, dua for the safety of civilians and for peace is a duty every believer can fulfil. Read our related coverage on the UN’s winter flood warning for Gaza tent sites and the GCC ministers’ call for safe passage through Gulf waters.
What happens next
UNHCR has flagged severe underfunding and continuing access restrictions as the main obstacles to reaching families in need. Displacement figures are likely to keep changing while fighting continues in Taiz province, and the UN agencies are expected to keep publishing updated counts in their regular situation reports.
FAQ
How many people have been displaced in Yemen recently?
OCHA puts the figure at nearly 260,000 since August; UNHCR counted more than 250,000 between August 1 and October 17.
Which area is worst affected?
Taiz province, which accounts for most departures and hosts about half of the newly displaced.
What do displaced families need most?
Shelter first, followed by food and cash assistance, according to OCHA.
Source: Al Jazeera — aljazeera.com; UNHCR figures via A News — anews.com.tr
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