Displacement tops 130,000 in Yemen as Red Sea fighting intensifies

Houthi advances along Yemen's Red Sea coast have driven more than 130,000 people from their homes this month, with the UN warning tens of thousands more may flee.

• UNHCR warned Tuesday that up to 100,000 additional people could be displaced within three months as fighting intensifies, its spokesman Baba Baloch said in Geneva.
• The Houthis advanced against government forces this month and seized control of Yemen's Red Sea coast, widening the conflict.
• More than 3,000 people have fled by boat across the Red Sea to Africa, and UNHCR projects that number could reach 10,000 next month.
• World Food Programme acting director Carl Skau said Houthi restrictions blocked access to at least 49 food distribution points, with about 90% of Yemen's food imported.
• The UN warned that a severe funding shortfall is hampering the humanitarian response to the deepening crisis.
• Obock Governor Moussa Aden said the town's capacity was overwhelmed, with refugees facing severe shortages of shelter, water, sanitation, food and medical care.
• Aid groups including Qatar Charity delivered supplies, but responders said the response falls far short of the growing need.
• The UN now warns internal displacement could exceed 230,000 people over the next month.
• Intense clashes killed 154 people over the past two days, mostly in southwest Yemen.
• Government forces claimed advances in Taiz province and the downing of Houthi drones, while the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of 29 airstrikes in 24 hours.