Thousands of Yemeni refugees have arrived in Djibouti after fleeing fighting on the west coast. Officials are preparing for up to 10,000 arrivals at a camp in Obock.
Fighting on Yemen's west coast has prompted thousands of people to flee by boat across the Bab al-Mandab Strait to Djibouti over the last ten days. The BBC's Frank Gardner visited a refugee camp in Obock, a small port town where officials are preparing for the arrival of up to 10,000 refugees.
The UN International Organisation for Migration reported that people are travelling on overcrowded boats and arriving with very limited food and water. The crossings were sparked by an offensive by the Iran-backed Houthi movement to take control of a key island and seize the strategically important port of Mokha.
Why it matters
The influx of refugees strains Djibouti's resources and highlights the humanitarian impact of the Houthi offensive.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Djibouti officials will need to manage the arrival of up to 10,000 refugees in the coming days.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.