The conflict in Yemen escalated on Wednesday, September 29, 2026, as Houthi rebels launched a ballistic missile attack on a gathering of 'Shield of the Nation' forces in the Khur Amira area of Lahj governorate. The attack resulted in casualties among government forces. This incident occurred amid ongoing clashes between Houthi rebels and government forces in the regions bordering Taiz and Lahj.
According to Yemeni sources, the Houthi missile fell in the middle of a gathering of 'Shield of the Nation' soldiers who were preparing to reinforce frontlines witnessing continuous clashes in border areas between Taiz, Lahj, and the strategic Jabal Kahboub overlooking Bab al-Mandab. The attack came hours after fierce fighting in the Al-Aghabra area of the Mudarabah and Ras Al-Arrah in Lahj.
Reports from the past 24 hours indicate that 97 people were killed, including 65 Houthis and 32 government forces and tribesmen. A government military source reported that over 50 Houthis were killed and dozens injured in Lahj clashes, while nearly 20 government forces were killed and others injured. Houthis managed to control Jabal Al-Bazla before government forces regained some positions.
The conflict extended to Taiz, where the Taiz military axis announced that 12 Houthis were killed and 13 injured during clashes, including repelling an attack in Bani Bakari in the Jabal Habshi front and foiling an infiltration attempt in the Defense front northwest of the city. Government forces also reported destroying a Houthi tank and an armored vehicle.
The escalation coincides with a worsening humanitarian crisis. The International Organization for Migration reported that 145,308 people, representing 24,218 families, have been displaced since the conflict escalated. This marks an increase of 15,870 displaced compared to September 21, and over 12% in a week. The UN has warned of growing risks of displacement and hunger facing Yemeni children.
Politically, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed the situation in Yemen and regional security developments with his American counterpart, Marco Rubio, in Washington. In the Ib province, a leading figure in the Islah party, Sheikh Ahmed Qasim Mahyoub, was assassinated in a suspected bomb blast.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warned that over 255 out of nearly 2,900 displaced children examined suffer from acute malnutrition, with around 200 experiencing severe malnutrition. The office emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian support for those affected by the conflict escalation.
Key points
- The conflict in Yemen has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with 97 people killed and 145,308 displaced.
- Houthi rebels launched a ballistic missile attack on 'Shield of the Nation' forces in Lahj governorate.
- The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is worsening, with growing risks of displacement and hunger facing children.
