Yemeni and foreign officials are warning of a humanitarian catastrophe as Houthi militias encircle Taiz, one of Yemen’s largest cities, cutting off food, water, and fuel supplies. The siege, now in its third week, has left residents boiling salty tap water and scrambling for scarce medicines. Hospitals are running low on fuel and medical stocks, while families burn firewood and cardboard to cook.
The Houthis accuse government-aligned forces of blocking aid routes, while the UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, has called for immediate humanitarian access. Taiz, a cultural hub in southwestern Yemen, has long been a resistance stronghold. Fighting reignited this year amid regional tensions, displacing over 250,000 people since August.
The Houthis seized the last road to southern Yemen in October, triggering shortages. A recent Houthi strike killed 73 soldiers, one of the deadliest attacks in the conflict. Aid groups warn the situation is deteriorating rapidly.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing