UN warns of rising Yemen displacement as thousands flee to Djibouti

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have warned they will "change the geography of war" if the United States escalates the conflict. This statement follows remarks by the US president, who indicated he was considering "wiping Iran out" in an interview before a UN meeting. Meanwhile, fighting in Yemen between Houthi forces and Saudi-backed government troops has resulted in 154 deaths over the past two days. Houthi military sources reported 118 casualties from Saudi airstrikes, clashes, and artillery fire in several governorates, while government sources stated 36 deaths within their ranks.

G7 foreign ministers have condemned the "unacceptable continued strikes" by Yemen's Houthis against Saudi Arabia. The ministers issued this statement on Monday during an informal meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. They urged the Houthis to immediately cease all military actions, including threats and attacks against civilian shipping, and to re-engage in the political process. Furthermore, the G7 called on Iran to stop arming and supporting the Houthi group, stating that Tehran's actions violate UN Security Council resolutions and contribute to global instability by undermining international trade. This escalation follows a period of relative calm since the 2022 UN-brokered ceasefire.

Fighting has intensified in Yemen as Houthi rebels battle Saudi-backed government forces for control of strategic mountains near the Red Sea, overlooking the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This renewed conflict has resulted in at least 674 deaths and displaced over 158,000 people. Reports indicate that US President Donald Trump ordered and then called off air strikes against the Houthis at the last minute on Sunday, despite pleas from Saudi Arabia. The Houthi leader warned the US against direct military involvement. The Houthis have been attempting to advance into the Kahboub Mountains in Taiz and Lahj provinces, which would allow them to sever the coast from the remaining government-held south.

The United Nations is warning of a potential surge in displacement from Yemen due to renewed fighting. The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) anticipates that up to 10,000 people may flee across the Red Sea to Djibouti. Internally, the conflict could displace an additional 100,000 people, bringing the total internally displaced to over 230,000, on top of the 5.2 million already displaced. This humanitarian crisis is escalating following the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels' seizure of Yemen's Red Sea coastline earlier this month, which has resulted in hundreds of casualties and threatened global trade. The UNHCR is preparing for a significant increase in arrivals in Djibouti, particularly as sea conditions are expected to improve after mid-October.

G7 foreign ministers have issued a joint statement calling on Iran to cease its arming and support for the Houthis in Yemen. The G7 also strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and stated that the recent escalation of fighting in Yemen threatens global energy security. Thousands of refugees have fled Yemen following the Iran-backed group's seizure of territory near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital shipping route. The statement, released ahead of the UN General Assembly, urges the Houthis to halt military actions and return to political negotiations. The G7 reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Yemen's legitimate government and its territorial integrity.

Yemenis are fleeing across the Red Sea to Djibouti due to an escalation in fighting between Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed forces. Over 3,000 refugees have arrived in Djibouti in recent days, with the UN estimating over 120,000 Yemenis displaced by the surge in conflict along the Red Sea coast. The Houthis advanced down the coast towards Bab al-Mandab, prompting hundreds of Saudi air strikes. The refugees stated that the bombs falling around them caused their flight, not the specific warring factions. Djibouti, situated across the water from Yemen, has stated it will not involve itself in the conflict.

Yemen's conflict, which began with the Houthi takeover of the capital Sanaa in September 2014, escalated significantly when Saudi Arabia intervened in March 2015 to support the internationally recognized government. The war has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis. A UN-brokered ceasefire in April 2022 brought a period of relative calm, though low-intensity conflict persisted. In early 2023, Saudi Arabia and the Houthis agreed to a UN roadmap for a permanent ceasefire, but it was not formalized. The Houthis, an Iran-aligned group, have recently made military gains, tightening their control over the Red Sea coast, a vital shipping lane. The conflict involves the Houthi movement, primarily controlling northwestern Yemen, and a Saudi-led coalition supporting the Yemeni government.

Iran has warned the United States against planning new strikes, stating that it has learned of potential US intentions and vowing retaliation "without limitations" if such action occurs. This warning comes as fighting continues in Yemen. US President Donald Trump has outlined three options regarding the conflict: "to obliterate Iran, letting it rot economically, or reach a deal." The article, published on September 21, 2026, provides live updates on the situation.

The UK will provide defensive air support to Saudi Arabia, including air-to-air refuelling for Saudi jets, to counter Houthi fighters and protect energy infrastructure. Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated this action aims to restore Middle East stability and help lower domestic cost of living pressures by ensuring oil flow. Burnham also plans to urge US President Donald Trump to de-escalate conflict with Iran during their upcoming meeting, warning of global instability's impact. This military deployment, involving an RAF Voyager, is a response to Houthi advances near the Bab al-Mandab strait. The UK's support is in addition to an existing air defence system. Burnham will also discuss other international challenges like the war in Ukraine and artificial intelligence at the UN.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on Monday that he has agreed to Saudi Arabia's request for defensive air-to-air refuelling support for a limited duration. This decision comes after the Houthis intensified their attacks on Saudi Arabia, which Riyadh views as a new front in a wider conflict that reportedly began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. Burnham stated that this support is intended to help stabilize the wider region. He made the agreement on the advice of the defence and foreign secretaries. The Prime Minister was travelling to New York for a United Nations General Assembly meeting when he made the announcement.

Middle Eastern governments are preparing for increased conflict following Iran's claim of intelligence indicating the US is planning renewed bombing. This comes amid heightened tensions before the UN General Assembly, with President Trump reportedly considering options including "wiping Iran out." The situation is partly fueled by recent attacks on Riyadh by Yemen's Houthi rebels, which the US views as Iranian-backed. Iran has warned of retaliation against US bases and interests if attacked, potentially extending to naval forces. The US State Department has issued a security alert to citizens in the Middle East due to the complex security environment and potential for escalation.

Turkey has expressed readiness to assist Saudi Arabia with military needs, particularly technical support, amidst escalating Houthi attacks. This offer comes as the recent trilateral Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, faces its first potential test. The agreement treats an attack on one member as an attack on all. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated Ankara is prepared to provide assistance, noting the serious attacks on Saudi Arabia's territorial integrity. Analysts suggest a coordinated military response is being prepared, though the extent of direct kinetic involvement by allies remains uncertain. The pact was established amid growing regional tensions and concerns about being drawn into a wider conflict.

Saudi-led coalition forces announced they intercepted a ballistic missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels at Riyadh early Saturday. This marks the first air raid alert in the capital since fighting escalated in July. The coalition spokesperson stated the Houthis also attempted to target civilians and infrastructure in other Saudi cities, but these attacks were thwarted by air defenses. Houthi military spokespeople claimed responsibility for attacking "sensitive" sites in Riyadh and an Aramco facility in Yanbu using missiles and drones. Saudi authorities reported no casualties or damage from the incident. The coalition asserted its right to take appropriate action against such Houthi escalations.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Turkiye is ready to provide military assistance to Saudi Arabia amid escalating Houthi attacks in Yemen. Fidan indicated that Saudi Arabia might have unmet military needs and that Turkiye would consider support within the framework of a trilateral defense pact. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia does not wish to be drawn into a US-Iran conflict. The article also mentions that Pakistan has similarly pledged to defend Saudi Arabia under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed in August by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan. While Pakistan has stated it would defend Saudi Arabia "to any extent," no military response is currently under discussion. The Houthi rebels continue to trade attacks with Saudi Arabia, controlling significant areas along the Red Sea coast.

Yemen's Houthi rebels reported that Saudi Arabia conducted 26 strikes on Houthi-controlled areas within the past 24 hours, part of escalating reciprocal attacks. Over the past week, the Houthis claim Saudi strikes have reached 300. Meanwhile, Yemen's government forces, supported by Saudi Arabia, reported killing 30 Houthi rebels and wounding over 60 in clashes in Taiz province. This intensified fighting follows a week of increased combat, with recent attacks killing at least five people, including three children. Tens of thousands marched in Sanaa in support of the Houthis and against Saudi Arabia, as the rebels have gained control of significant parts of Yemen's Red Sea coast, including the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, experienced its first air raid alerts since Houthi attacks escalated, with residents later receiving an all-clear after reported explosions. These attacks on Saudi oil assets have impacted global energy markets, raising fuel prices. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has requested US military action against the Houthis, but President Trump has offered intelligence and targeting support instead. The Houthis claim these actions are retaliation for Saudi airstrikes. The UN Security Council met to discuss regional stability and the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, with Yemen's government and Saudi Arabia calling for more decisive action against the Houthis.

On Saturday, Saudi Arabia experienced thick smoke and flames near Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport following overnight air-raid alerts issued to citizens warning of aerial attacks. Explosions were heard in the capital, and firefighters worked to extinguish a burning Aramco fuel tank. This marks the first time Riyadh has received such alerts since fighting with the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen escalated in July. Similar warnings were also issued for Jeddah and Yanbu. The UN Security Council condemned continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, which have impacted civilian and energy infrastructure. The Houthi military spokesperson claimed to have foiled "criminal attempts" and vowed a response, while also accusing Saudi Arabia of recent airstrikes.

Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on "sensitive" sites in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, on Saturday. This announcement followed reports of flames and a large smoke plume near Riyadh's main airport, with Saudi civil defense issuing and later rescinding alerts for potential aerial danger. The Houthis stated their operation was a response to an attack in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, and also claimed to have targeted an Aramco facility in Yanbu. Saudi authorities have not yet officially commented on the Houthi claims or confirmed the attacks.