Over 1,400 Yemenis have fled to Djibouti in a single day as Houthi forces tighten their control over the Bab al-Mandeb strait. The mass exodus follows reports of increased military activity in the region, with rebels seizing key coastal areas and restricting movement through critical waterways. Refugees arrived in Obock, Djibouti, after crossing the border under difficult conditions, according to local observers.
The United Nations has confirmed the movement of more than 2,000 people, though figures vary between sources. Some reports suggest the number could be higher, with families leaving their homes in fear of escalating conflict. Houthi fighters are reported to have taken control of significant portions of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and the western port of Hodeida.
The Bab al-Mandeb strait, a vital shipping route, has become a focal point of the conflict. Houthi control over the area has disrupted maritime traffic, prompting some Yemenis to seek refuge in neighboring countries. The situation remains volatile, with no immediate signs of a ceasefire.
International actors continue to monitor the crisis, but no major diplomatic efforts have been announced to address the growing humanitarian concerns. The exodus highlights the ongoing instability in the region and the increasing pressure on local populations.
