Taiz, Yemen: As Fighting Intensifies, Civilian Lifelines Are at Risk in Yemen

Intensifying fighting across Taiz governorate is disrupting key roads, restricting civilian movement and putting access to food, water, healthcare and humanitarian assistance at risk.

Families who have endured years of armed conflict, economic hardship and limited essential services now face further threats to their safety and livelihoods. Since early September, renewed fighting along the west coast has forced large numbers of people to flee, adding to the pressure on displaced families and host communities.

The human cost is already severe. In its 25 September statement, UNICEF reported that, across Yemen, it had verified at least 15 child deaths and 14 children injured since 3 September; another three children were reported missing. These are national figures, rather than a casualty count for Taiz. All parties must protect civilians and ensure that injured people can reach medical care safely and without delay.

In its 7 October update, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported 201,217 people displaced across Yemen since the escalation began in June 2026, with nearly all displaced since 1 September. Its Displacement Tracking Matrix recorded 114,708 people hosted in Taiz governorate, accounting for 57% of the people recorded in this recent wave of displacement. This influx is placing further pressure on host communities and services already struggling to meet existing needs.

Rising prices are making food harder to afford. In a 9 October report, Al Jazeera Arabic cited Taiz’s statistics office director, who said potato prices had doubled in four days, from 1,000 to 2,000 Yemeni rials per kilogram, while flour prices rose by 50%, from 38,000 to 57,000 rials.

Cooking gas shortages and rising fuel costs add to the burden. For families with little or no income, these increases mean fewer meals and less money for other essentials.

Inaccessible roads and insecurity are disrupting the transport of commercial supplies. Local reports indicate shortages of food, cooking gas and fuel, contributing to rising prices and reduced availability in markets. Keeping routes open for essential goods is critical to preventing further deterioration in food security.

Health services are also under pressure. Reports from Taiz indicate critically low stocks of essential medicines, medical supplies and fuel, threatening emergency care, surgery, intensive care, dialysis and neonatal services. Without timely replenishment, patients, injured people, pregnant women and newborns face serious risks. Residents and displaced families also need reliable access to clean water and sanitation to reduce the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases.

Children, older people and people with disabilities face additional barriers to reaching services.

Women and girls need continued access to healthcare, safe spaces and protection services, including support for survivors of gender-based violence. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers need uninterrupted maternal care, adequate food and clean water, including while displaced.

Insecurity and movement constraints are making it harder for humanitarian teams and local partners to reach communities, assess needs and deliver assistance safely. Conditions vary by location and can change rapidly. Restrictions on assessments also leave gaps in information about needs, so available figures may not capture the full scale of the crisis. Safe and sustained access is essential for organisations to respond at the scale required.

The people of Taiz need routes that remain safe and open for civilians, essential goods and humanitarian assistance. Urgent action to protect these lifelines can prevent further loss of life, worsening hunger and the breakdown of essential services.

The following 32 organisations have signed this joint statement

01 ACCEPT International

02 Action for Humanity International

03 ADRA Yemen

04 CARE International

05 Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)

06 Concern Worldwide

07 Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

08 Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe

09 Dorcas Aid International

10 Geneva Call

11 Handicap International – Humanity & Inclusion (HI)

12 Helpcode Italia ETS

13 Humanitarian Aid & Development (HAD)

14 International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO)

15 International Rescue Committee (IRC)

16 Islamic Relief Yemen 32 ZOA

17 MedGlobal

18 Mehad

19 Muslim Hands UK

20 Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

21 Oxfam

22 Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH)

23 Première Urgence Internationale (PUI)

24 Prosper Global

25 Pure Hands

26 Relief International

27 Saferworld

28 Save the Children International (SCI)

29 Secours Islamique France (SIF)

30 Solidarités International

31 War Child Alliance

32 ZOA