The military escalation between the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels continues, particularly in the Taiz province. Clashes on the outskirts of the city and airstrikes on the Al-Dhala and Al-Mukha districts have been reported. The government's forces have made progress on the western front of the city with air support. Meanwhile, Houthi-affiliated media reported airstrikes targeting the Al-Mukha district and Al-Maqatra in the Lahj province.
A report by the Yemeni Women's Empowerment Foundation documented 107 women and children killed in Taiz province between August 1 and October 15, 2026. The victims included 23 women and 84 children. The foundation also recorded 1,321 cases of home raids, 4,860 displaced people, and 221,630 internally displaced persons, mostly women and children. The report titled "Mother's Agony" called for independent investigations into the violations.
The Yemeni government's Ministry of Human Rights condemned the continued attacks on residential areas in Taiz, citing the use of mortar shells and ballistic missiles. A shell landed inside a family's home in the city on Monday, according to the ministry. The ministry considered targeting populated areas a violation of international law and demanded international action to stop the attacks and lift the siege.
A demonstration was held in Taiz city to demand the lifting of the siege, an end to attacks on civilians, and the delivery of basic necessities like food, water, and medicine. Participants raised banners denouncing the deterioration of living conditions and the targeting of homes, hospitals, and markets. They called for international action to stop the violations and alleviate the suffering of residents.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported on October 23 that roads leading to Taiz have been cut off for nearly 20 days, hindering the delivery of aid and the movement of civilians. The fighting has also obstructed the entry of assistance and the exit of residents. Human Rights Watch warned that the Houthi group's destruction of a major road connecting Taiz to the temporary Yemeni capital, Aden, may constitute a war crime.
The situation in Taiz is dire, with the health system on the brink of collapse due to a lack of fuel and supplies. The UN humanitarian coordinator in Yemen, Laurent Bukera, called for a safe and urgent passage for basic goods and humanitarian aid. The Yemeni government's spokesperson announced 1,276 targeting operations in the past 24 hours, including attacks on Houthi military sites and capabilities.
The Yemeni president, Rashad Al-Alimi, called on the European Union to adopt a European Parliament resolution listing the Houthi group as a terrorist organization. He warned of the consequences of continued Houthi attacks and their violations, including the targeting of civilians and the recruitment of children. The EU president, Antonio Costa, expressed support for the Yemeni government and the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Taiz.
Key points
- 107 women and children killed in Taiz province
- Human rights report documents violations by Houthi rebels
- International community urged to take action to stop violence and alleviate humanitarian crisis
