Yemenis flee across Red Sea as Houthis and Saudi-backed forces escalate war

A serious conflict is ongoing in Yemen, forcing many people to leave their homes. The fighting involves two main groups: the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces. This conflict has been happening for some time, and now it seems to escalate, meaning the violence is getting worse. This situation makes it too dangerous for many Yemenis to stay.

To escape the danger, thousands of Yemenis undertake a perilous journey. They cross the Red Sea by boat, traveling from Yemen to the small East African nation of Djibouti. The BBC journalist Frank Gardner recently spoke with some of these individuals who made the difficult crossing. They shared personal stories of their struggles and why they had to leave everything behind in search of safety.

Upon arriving in Djibouti, these people become refugees, seeking shelter and help. While they are safe from the direct fighting, life in Djibouti is also challenging. They often lack basic necessities like adequate food, clean water, and stable housing. International aid organizations are working to assist them, providing humanitarian support and trying to improve their living conditions. Many refugees hope that peace will return to Yemen so they can eventually go back to their homes.