Ethiopian migration to war-torn Yemen continues to rise, IOM reports

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that despite the escalating civil war in Yemen, the flow of Ethiopian migrants to the country continues to rise. By the end of September 2026, over 134,000 migrants had entered Yemen, a 22% increase compared to the previous year, with Ethiopians accounting for 97% of these arrivals. Migrants are traversing active conflict zones, including areas like Taiz, where clashes between Houthi rebels and government-aligned forces are intense. Katia Yurich, an IOM program director, stated that migrants are undeterred by security threats and are even shifting routes toward southern regions like Abyan and Shabwah. Many face life-threatening conditions, including starvation and exposure to shelling, while others are exploited by human traffickers. The IOM emphasizes that while they aim to facilitate voluntary returns for those wishing to go home, severe funding shortages prevent them from effectively assisting the stranded population.