Cut Off From Food, Water and Care, Houthis’ Monthlong Siege Is Creating Hell for Trapped Yemenis in Taiz
A city cut off
The Houthis’ blockade of Taiz has lasted 30 days. After taking control of the governorate’s western countryside, they encircled the city, which they had approached in 2015 after pushing the government from Sanaa in September 2014.
The blockade affects 1.5 million people in Taiz City and residents of rural districts. About 180,000 displaced people are also trapped amid clashes along the main road linking Lahj and Taiz.
Food, fuel, water and medical supplies are not reaching the city. Rubbish is accumulating on the streets because it cannot be transported to a landfill outside Taiz.
Families face difficult journeys
Ahmed al-Mikhlafi left Taiz with his wife and three children for Umrah in Mecca a week before the latest fighting began. The family decided to return despite the danger. Ahmed said they passed nearly 20 newly established Houthi checkpoints and waited two days at a rural hotel before continuing.
Travel costs had risen sharply. Ahmed said the family paid 100 Saudi riyals per passenger to return, compared with 35 riyals per passenger when they had left for Aden. He also said they paid 100 riyals for each night at the hotel.
The blockade has cut both main and secondary roads between the city and countryside, making it difficult for families to reach relatives. Salah Ahmed Ghaleb al-Majidi, acting director of the governorate’s Siege Affairs Department, said the effects were threatening family cohesion.
Health care under strain
Residents in the rural belt around Taiz have been blocked from reaching health centres in the city. Hospitals are short of medical supplies and the fuel needed to keep essential services operating.
A young journalist identified as T F told Al Jazeera he had previously travelled to Cairo for specialist treatment for chronic immune-related inflammation affecting his liver enzymes. The siege has prevented him from travelling abroad for care.
By the time Houthi forces approached the city centre, his condition had worsened. Laboratory tests showed his liver enzyme levels had reached 32 times the normal range.
Key points
- The Houthis’ 30-day siege has encircled Taiz and blocked essential supplies.
- The blockade affects 1.5 million city residents and about 180,000 displaced people.
- Residents report dangerous routes, new checkpoints and higher travel costs.
- Hospitals face shortages, while some patients cannot reach care or travel abroad.