UN Says Besieged Yemen City at ‘Grave Risk’ as Houthis Attack
Source reports published 21 Oct 2026, 12:28 am – 3:40 am AEST
The UN has declared that the city of Taiz in Yemen is at ‘grave risk’ due to a siege by Houthi rebels, who have cut off supply routes and caused damage. Humanitarian aid is urgently needed to reach residents, and passage must be facilitated.
What happened
- Houthi rebels attacked a residential area in Taiz, Yemen, on Tuesday, killing two teenage girls and wounding six people.
- The attack was part of a months-long offensive against Yemeni government forces.
- The Houthis have largely encircled Taiz, cutting off most supply routes and putting civilians at ‘grave risk,’ according to UN human rights chief Volker Türk.
- The conflict has intensified since July, when forces launched airstrikes on Sanaa International Airport.
- Britain announced expanded military support for Saudi Arabia, including defensive air patrols by Royal Air Force jets.
- The Houthis attacked a Yemeni military camp on Monday, killing 73 recruits.
- U.S. envoy Tom Barrack stated that the United States is not prepared to send troops to help Saudi Arabia.
- The Egyptian government will deploy air defense systems and aircraft to help repel missiles and drones fired toward Saudi Arabia.
- Residents reported destruction of homes and a lack of essential supplies.
Original reporting
- PBS NewsHour: UN says besieged Yemen city at 'grave risk' as Houthis attack
2026-10-20T17:40:36+00:00 - New York Times World: Yemeni City of Taiz Running Out of Essentials as Houthis Close in
2026-10-20T14:28:28+00:00