Sana’a — A new United Nations report has revealed a sharp rise in acute food insecurity across 12 districts in Yemen during the third quarter of 2025, with the most alarming conditions concentrated in six districts under the control of Houthi militias.

According to the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, the affected districts have seen a significant deterioration in food access, pushing thousands of families into IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) or higher. The report attributes the worsening situation to a combination of conflict-related disruptions, economic decline, and restricted humanitarian access — particularly in areas governed by the Houthis.

The six Houthi-held districts were identified as experiencing some of the most severe conditions, with limited aid delivery and ongoing insecurity compounding the crisis. The UN warned that without urgent intervention, these areas risk slipping into Phase 4 (Emergency) or even Phase 5 (Catastrophe/Famine) in the coming months.

Overall, the report estimates that more than 18 million Yemenis are currently facing high levels of food insecurity, with nearly 5 million in urgent need of life-saving assistance.

Humanitarian agencies have called for unimpeded access to all affected regions and renewed international support to scale up food assistance, nutrition programs, and economic recovery efforts.

The findings underscore the devastating impact of Yemen’s protracted conflict on civilian livelihoods and the urgent need for sustained humanitarian engagement across all regions of the country.