Houthi siege of Taiz leaves Yemeni city in dire shortage

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 14:13 · Archive

Fighting between Houthi forces and the Yemeni government has intensified around Taiz, with the Houthis blockading food, water and medical supplies to the city of around one million people.

Houthi forces have besieged Taiz, Yemen's third-largest city, for approximately one month after seizing surrounding territory in September. The blockade has cut the city off from the outside world, with the Houthis controlling the main route to Aden and the coastal areas.

The city, with a population of around one million people, now faces critical shortages. Food, water, fuel and medical supplies cannot reach residents. Hospital functions have been severely disrupted. According to Human Rights Watch, even those who reach hospitals may not receive proper care, with particular impact on people with chronic illnesses. The United Nations has warned of a catastrophe.

The fighting has displaced significant numbers of people. The International Organization for Migration reported 134,000 people displaced in the Taiz governorate region alone, accounting for nearly half of over 319,000 displaced across western Yemen as of November 2026. An additional 180,000 displaced people are trapped by clashes along the main road connecting Lahj and Taiz.

Residents describe a state of panic, with civilians warned of sniper fire from surrounding hillsides. Prices for available goods have skyrocketed. Despite hardship, some residents have refused to flee, sharing what little food they have with neighbours.

The siege follows a failed government counteroffensive launched on 5 October aimed at liberating the country from Houthi control. Fighting has left thousands dead on both sides. Reuters reported that Houthi forces were approximately 37 miles from Aden, the nominal seat of the UN-recognised government. The stalemate has prompted Yemen's government to sack ministers and officers and reshuffle its military leadership.

How it is being reported

• Yemen’s president sacks ministers and officers in attempt to turn tide of warDismissals follow Houthi victories and pressure from southern Yemenis for more power The UN-recognised government of Yemen has shaken up its political and military leadership in an attempt to regain territory lost to the Houthis in September and lift the four-week siege of Taiz , the country’s third largest city. A counteroffensive launched on 5 October and aimed at liberating the entire country from Houthi control has failed amid fighting that has left thousands dead on both sides. The air superiority of the government’s ally Saudi Arabia – which has had to fend off near-daily Houthi…The Guardian · 5 Nov, 13:47
• Houthis’ monthlong siege on Taiz creating hell for trapped YemenisBlockade prompts warnings of a 'catastrophe' as food, water, fuel and medical supplies are unable to reach city.Al Jazeera · 4 Nov, 10:44
• Yemen: Houthi clashes near Taiz leave residents in a 'state of panic'Fighting between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Yemeni government forces has intensified around the city of Taiz. Residents face growing shortages of food, water and medical supplies as thousands flee their homes.DW News · 3 Nov, 14:18

In this story: Taiz · Yemen · Houthis · Saudi Arabia · Aden · United Nations · Human Rights Watch

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log