World · Middle East · 3 hrs ago
Yemen’s government urges UN action to lift Houthi siege of Taiz
Yemen’s government has urged the UN to help lift the Houthi siege of Taiz, a city in southwestern Yemen.
Foreign Minister Afrah Al-Zouba warned that the siege and recent escalation threaten more than 4 million people, including residents and people displaced from nearby districts.
The government says the restrictions are worsening an already serious humanitarian situation.
It wants all routes into Taiz opened so civilians and supplies can pass, with reliable access to food, fuel and drinking water.
It also called for stronger monitoring and accountability for alleged violations against civilians.
The government is asking for urgent international pressure and practical steps, but no response or decision by the UN is given.
Yemen’s government urged the United Nations and Security Council to take urgent action to lift the Houthi siege of Taiz.
Foreign Minister Afrah Al Zouba warned that tighter restrictions and recent escalation could cause a humanitarian disaster affecting more than four million people.
The government called for access routes to be reopened and for food, fuel and drinking water to reach civilians without obstruction.
Aid agencies warned that food and medical supplies are low, while wheat flour stocks in Taiz are nearly exhausted.
At least 600,000 people in Taiz depend on aid, including more than 200,000 children.
- Who
- Yemen’s government, represented by Foreign Minister Afrah Al Zouba, appealed to the United Nations and Security Council.
- What
- It urged urgent international action to lift the Houthi siege of Taiz and ensure aid and essential supplies can enter.
- When
- The government sent its letter on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
- Where
- Taiz governorate in south-western Yemen.
- Why
- The government warned that the tightening siege and recent escalation threaten a humanitarian disaster affecting more than four million people.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The siege of Taiz has been in place.
Fighting between Houthi fighters and government forces intensified, and more than 200,000 people were displaced from their homes.
Foreign Minister Afrah Al Zouba sent a letter urging UN and humanitarian officials to act on the deteriorating situation in Taiz.
- People at risk
- More than 4 million
- People in Taiz relying on aid
- At least 600,000
- Children relying on aid
- More than 200,000
- Taiz location
- South-western Yemen
- Siege began
- 2015
3 sources
What people are saying
Trauma care staff are under enormous pressure
The seriousness of the current situation in Taiz, and the direct threat it poses to the lives, dignity and basic rights of civilians, requires urgent international action that goes beyond expressing concern to taking practical and tangible measures to end the siege, restore the flow of essential supplies, protect civilian facilities, and prevent the humanitarian catastrophe from worsening.