Human Rights Watch has accused Houthi militias of employing siege tactics and cutting off essential supplies as a weapon against civilians in the city of Taiz, warning that denying residents access to food, water, and medicine, and obstructing humanitarian aid could amount to a war crime.
The organization stated on Thursday that the humanitarian crisis in Taiz has worsened since October 2026, following the Houthis' tightening of the siege and their obstruction and attacks on key supply routes. This has resulted in severe shortages of fuel, food, water, medicine, and cooking gas, exacerbating the suffering of residents who face increasing difficulties in securing their daily needs.
This situation occurs amidst an ongoing blockade that began in 2015, which has included restrictions on main roads, most notably the route connecting Taiz and Aden. These restrictions have hindered the delivery of goods and aid and increased transportation costs, prolonging the suffering of the population under isolation and deteriorating living conditions.
The organization cautioned that the healthcare sector faces escalating risks due to shortages of fuel, oxygen, medicines, and medical supplies, as well as difficulties for patients, particularly those with cancer, kidney disease, and critical conditions, to reach hospitals. Reports have also indicated that water tankers are being prevented from reaching the city, with their operators being detained at Houthi checkpoints.
Nico Jafferian, the researcher for Yemen and Bahrain at Human Rights Watch, stated that cutting off food, water, and medicine to Taiz demonstrates a disregard for civilian lives. The organization also quoted the UN Resident Coordinator for Yemen, Laurent Bukera, who warned that the city's health system is "on the verge of collapse."
Human Rights Watch emphasized that international humanitarian law prohibits the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare, and called on the Houthis to immediately open the roads, lift restrictions on essential supplies, and ensure the unimpeded access of humanitarian aid.
