The United Nations has warned that renewed hostilities in Yemen have displaced at least 125,000 civilians since the start of September 2025, as fighting between government forces and Houthi fighters intensifies along the country's Red Sea coast. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) issued the alert on Monday, cautioning that humanitarian operations are under mounting pressure amid severe access restrictions and dwindling supplies.

Scale of Civilian Harm

The UN Human Rights Office has verified 40 civilian casualties in the first two weeks of September alone — eight dead and 32 injured. Notably, women and children account for half of those killed and more than half of those injured, underscoring the disproportionate toll on non-combatants. These figures represent verified cases only; the actual numbers are likely higher given access constraints on the ground.

Humanitarian Access Severely Constrained

OCHA reported that the UN and its humanitarian partners have continued to deliver aid to thousands of households despite what it described as 'extremely difficult operating conditions.' However, the office flagged critically low supplies and a significant funding shortfall. 'Humanitarian access and movements remain severely constrained due to insecurity,' OCHA said. 'Humanitarian movements into and within several locations on Yemen's west coast remain suspended, while key roads are restricted or impassable.'

The office issued a renewed appeal to all parties: 'OCHA once again calls on all parties to protect civilians, respect international humanitarian law, and facilitate safe and unimpeded humanitarian access.'

Military Toll and the Houthi Offensive

Yemen's government forces have reported staggering military losses. According to a statement carried by Al-Joumhouriya TV, the government's National Resistance Forces said more than 500 soldiers were killed and approximately 1,500 wounded in month-long battles with the Houthis between 9 August and 10 September. The same statement claimed more than 1,000 Houthi members were killed and thousands wounded — figures that could not be independently verified.

The fighting began with Houthi missile, drone, and explosive-boat attacks before spreading from Hays in the southern part of Hodeidah province to multiple fronts in the neighbouring southwestern province of Taiz.

Strategic Stakes: The Bab al-Mandab Strait

The Houthi offensive, launched on 3 September, rapidly redrawn front lines along Yemen's Red Sea coast. The group captured several government-held areas in Hodeidah and Taiz provinces as it mounted a sweeping advance toward the strategically vital Bab al-Mandab Strait — a critical global shipping chokepoint through which a significant share of world trade passes. Control of the strait carries major geopolitical and economic consequences well beyond Yemen's borders.

What Comes Next

With humanitarian corridors blocked, supplies critically low, and an active military offensive reshaping front lines, the situation in Yemen is at one of its most precarious points in years. The UN has called on all parties to de-escalate and allow unimpeded aid access. Without a rapid ceasefire or humanitarian pause, the displacement figure of 125,000 is expected to rise further in the weeks ahead.