Displacement in Yemen Surpasses 145,000 Following Escalation of Conflict, IOM Reports

More than 145,000 individuals have been displaced across eight governorates in Yemen since conflict escalated along the West Coast in June, according to data released on 28 September 2026 by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The total reached 145,308 people—comprising 24,218 households—marking a rise of 15,870 people, or over 12 percent, compared to figures recorded on 21 September.

According to the agency, insecurity continues to displace families along the West Coast and across southern Yemen. Ta'iz Governorate remains the most heavily affected area, hosting 81,444 displaced individuals, which represents more than half of the national total and an increase of nearly 8,000 within a week.

Other governorates hosting displaced populations include Lahj with 34,860 people, Aden with 12,456, Al Hodeidah with 8,244, Abyan with 5,568, Hadramawt with 1,974, Ma'rib with 750, and Al Maharah with 12 individuals displaced earlier in the month.

Outside Ta'iz, Aden experienced the largest recent surge, with displaced numbers rising by nearly 40 percent in one week. The Al Burayqah district alone is accommodating close to 6,500 people. The IOM noted that displacement figures nearly doubled in Hadramawt and increased by two-thirds in Abyan during the same period, placing additional pressure on urban infrastructure, housing, and basic services.

"Every week we count thousands more people who have left everything behind," said Abdusattor Esoev, IOM Yemen Chief of Mission, adding that families urgently require shelter, food, and protection while host communities need assistance to manage the influx.

In response, IOM teams, local authorities, and partner organizations are distributing emergency shelter, household items, cash assistance, clean water, sanitation, and protection services. The agency tracks these population movements through its Displacement Tracking Matrix to guide aid delivery.

The IOM has called for the protection of civilians and humanitarian staff, along with safe and unimpeded access to deliver relief to displaced families and host communities. The organization cautioned that further displacement remains possible as conditions stay volatile.

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