NewsKPBS Public MediaOctober 24, 2026San Diego County
Houthi Rebel Siege Severely Restricts Water and Food Supplies in Taiz, Yemen
Photo: KPBS Public Media
A tightening siege by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Yemeni city of Taiz has cut off residents' access to wells, restricted water delivery trucks, and caused severe shortages of food and fuel. Humanitarian groups and residents report that bottled water prices have surged by up to 75%, basic infrastructure is failing, and the city's population of over 1 million is facing mounting public health risks.
Read the full story at KPBS Public MediaWhy It Matters
Residents in Taiz are rationing drinking water, paying significantly higher prices for basic goods, and facing increased risks of waterborne diseases as fuel shortages disable hospitals, sanitation services, and water pumps.
Key Facts
- Iran-backed Houthi rebels are besieging Taiz, Yemen's third-largest city, restricting access to wells and limiting water delivery trucks.
- Bottled water prices have risen by as much as 75% compared to just a few weeks prior, with some families buying water on credit.
- Taiz province has taken in roughly 124,000 displaced people since August, compounding pressure on limited supplies.
- Fuel shortages have led to the shutdown of waste-collection services and threatened hospital generators and water pumps.
- Food prices have increased significantly, with flour and rice costing about 50% more than over the summer, and cooking gas prices more than quadrupling.
- Amnesty International has called on the Houthis to immediately open roads into the city to avert a severe humanitarian disaster.
- Houthi missiles recently struck a residential area in Taiz, killing two teenage girls.
- Displaced residents and locals are increasingly relying on assistance, donations, and alternative cooking methods such as burning wood, charcoal, or cardboard.
Who's Mentioned
PersonAhmed Abdel Gaber“Displaced resident living in Taiz.”OrganizationAmnesty International“Human rights organization calling for roads into Taiz to be opened.”locationTaiz province“Province taking in large numbers of displaced people.”locationMokha“Port city captured by Houthi forces.”PersonJens Laerke“Spokesperson for a division of the United Nations.”OrganizationHouthi“Rebel group besieging Taiz.”locationSanaa“Capital of Yemen seized by Houthis.”PersonAhmed Nagi“Senior analyst at the International Crisis Group.”PersonHadil al-Shahid“Resident of Taiz describing water and financial struggles.”locationYemen“Country experiencing civil war and humanitarian crisis.”locationLahj“Potential southern target for Houthi advance.”locationAden“Potential southern target for Houthi advance.”OrganizationInternational Crisis Group“Organization providing analysis on the conflict.”OrganizationUnited Nations“Source of statistics on displaced persons.”locationTaiz“Yemen's third-largest city and the focal point of the siege.”PersonAfrah al-Zouba“Yemen's foreign minister acknowledging the rebel group's grip on the city.”OrganizationCARE“Aid organization in Yemen.”locationIran“Backer of the Houthi rebels.”PersonHani Bafaqih“Water, sanitation and hygiene expert at CARE in Yemen.”