Rights groups warn Houthi siege threatens millions in Yemen’s Taiz

Fifteen Yemeni and international human rights organisations warned on Sunday that road closures imposed by the Houthi movement in Yemen’s Taiz Governorate are worsening humanitarian conditions and threatening the lives of millions of residents by restricting access to food, medicine and fuel.

In a joint statement reported by Al Arabiya, the organizations called for an end to the siege and a halt to indiscriminate attacks, warning that restrictions on essential supplies, combined with escalating military operations reportedly beginning on 3^rd September, could disrupt healthcare and water services.

The organisations said approximately 4.35 million people live in the affected districts, alongside a large number of internally displaced persons.

According to the statement, road closures have disrupted the transportation of goods, depleted food stocks and increased the prices of basic commodities, making it increasingly difficult for families to obtain food, water and medical treatment.

The organisations estimated that Taiz requires approximately 12.35 million liters of gasoline and 9.72 million liters of diesel per month to meet transportation needs and maintain essential facilities.

They added that operating water wells and pumping systems requires approximately 20,000 liters of diesel monthly.

The statement warned that continued fuel shortages could force hospitals, healthcare centers and water pumping facilities to suspend operations, while increasing transportation costs and limiting water deliveries by tanker trucks.

The organisations said these disruptions could increase the risk of disease outbreaks, particularly in densely populated areas hosting residents and displaced families.