Fighting between Yemeni government forces and the Houthi group has intensified along Yemen’s western coast, with airstrikes and ground clashes causing heavy casualties and forcing tens of thousands of civilians from their homes.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that more than 82,000 people have been displaced since the beginning of September.

More than 2,000 displaced people have also reached Djibouti by sea, according to the agency.

Airstrikes Hit Houthi Positions

The Yemeni army said airstrikes targeted Houthi positions and military equipment around Mokha and Dhubab in western Taiz governorate.

Armed Forces spokesman Colonel Majid Al-Nazili said Houthi fighters had been neutralised in an area the military described as a “zone of destruction”.

The claims could not be independently verified.

The latest escalation followed Houthi claims that the group had seized the strategically important coastal city of Mokha and its port on the Red Sea.

The Houthis also claimed control of several islands, including Mayyun Island in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Houthis Report Dozens of Airstrikes

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said 58 airstrikes hit six governorates during the previous 24 hours.

He listed Taiz, Lahij, Al-Jawf, Hajjah, Al-Bayda and Saada among the affected areas.

Meanwhile, the National Resistance Forces, which support Yemen’s internationally recognised government, reported heavy losses among its troops.

The group said 500 of its soldiers were killed and around 1,500 wounded between August 9 and September 10.

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It also claimed that more than 1,000 Houthi fighters died during the fighting. Thousands of others reportedly suffered injuries.

The figures came from the parties involved in the conflict and could not be independently verified.

Hospitals Face Growing Pressure

The rising casualties have placed additional pressure on Yemen’s already strained healthcare system.

Yemeni Health Minister Qasim Buhaibeh issued an urgent appeal for blood donations.

He urged citizens to support medical facilities in Aden and help strengthen emergency response capacity.

The humanitarian situation has also deteriorated as fighting continues along populated coastal areas.

More Than 82,000 People Displaced

The IOM said the latest fighting displaced more than 82,000 people from Taiz, Hudaydah and Lahij since the start of September.

More than 2,000 displaced Yemenis have crossed the sea and reached Djibouti, the agency said.

Local authorities in Aden have started preparing a new displacement camp in Al-Bureiqa district.

The facility will accommodate between 3,000 and 5,000 people. Authorities plan to provide shelter and basic healthcare services to families fleeing Mokha, Hays and Al-Khawkhah.

The growing displacement has added to Yemen’s long-running humanitarian crisis.

Red Sea Security Raises Regional Concerns

The latest fighting has also increased concerns about security around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea.

Yemen’s Foreign Minister Afrah al-Zouba stepped up diplomatic contacts following the escalation.

She held a phone call with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali to discuss developments around the Bab al-Mandeb and Red Sea.

The two sides also discussed threats to international maritime navigation.

Somalia reaffirmed its support for Yemen’s sovereignty and regional security.

The developments have placed renewed attention on the strategic waterway, which serves as a major route for international maritime trade.