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WFP Struggles as Houthis Cut Off 800,000 in Taiz

By Drooid · Oct 20, 2026, 11:02 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Houthi Siege Intensifies

Iran-backed Houthi militia intensified the siege of Taiz, cutting off food, water and fuel.
The siege entered its third week while fighting raged on Taiz’s outskirts.
Residents report households lacking food and clean water and hospitals nearly out of fuel and supplies.
World Food Programme cannot reach over 600,000 people in Taiz, raising the total cut off to 800,000 since September.

Summary

UK Deploys Typhoons

The United Kingdom deployed RAF Typhoon jets to patrol and defend Saudi Arabia's airspace.
President Rashad al-Alimi formally asked the United Nations to designate the Houthis as a terrorist organization.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said British aircraft will intercept missiles but will not conduct ground strikes in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia reported intercepting a Houthi ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh, triggering civil-defence alerts.

History

Historical Context

On 26 March 2015 Saudi Arabia led a nine-nation coalition to launch Operation Decisive Storm in Yemen, air-striking Houthi forces and imposing a naval blockade to restore President Hadi. The campaign has destroyed over 130 health facilities and prompted UN criticism. Today, the renewed Houthi siege of Taiz and UK RAF Typhoon patrols echo that same pattern of external military involvement and humanitarian blockage.

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Houthi Siege Intensifies

Iran-backed Houthi militia intensified the siege of Taiz, cutting off food, water and fuel.
The siege entered its third week while fighting raged on Taiz’s outskirts.
Residents report households lacking food and clean water and hospitals nearly out of fuel and supplies.
World Food Programme cannot reach over 600,000 people in Taiz, raising the total cut off to 800,000 since September.

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