TAIZ, Yemen: A worsening housing crisis and economic hardship are forcing vulnerable families in Yemen’s Taiz city to move into areas near active front lines, exposing them to continued risks from sniper fire and remnants of years of conflict.
Residents living near the front line between Yemeni government forces and Houthi rebels say limited income and rising housing costs have left them with few alternatives, despite the danger posed by ongoing instability.
The situation highlights the humanitarian consequences of Yemen’s decade-long war, which has displaced millions and severely damaged the country’s economy and infrastructure.
Why Are Yemenis Choosing to Live Near Conflict Zones?
For many families in Taiz, affordability has become the main factor driving decisions about housing.
Um Yousef, a single mother of four children, said she was unable to afford rental prices in safer parts of the city. After months of searching for accommodation, she moved into a house near the front line because it was the only option she could afford.
The monthly rent for the property was around $13, significantly lower than the average cost of a three-bedroom home in central Taiz, which residents say can reach about $130.
“I had no choice,” she said, explaining that years of poverty following the death of her husband left her responsible for supporting the family alone.
How Has the War Affected Housing Conditions in Taiz?
Taiz remains one of Yemen’s most heavily affected cities after more than a decade of conflict.
Destroyed buildings, abandoned homes and damaged infrastructure continue to mark areas near the front line, where fighting between government forces and Houthi rebels previously intensified.
Although major clashes have decreased in recent years due to broader de-escalation efforts, residents say the threat of violence remains.
Families living near the front line face risks from sniper attacks, unexploded remnants of war and sudden outbreaks of fighting.
What Happened to Families Living on the Front Line?
In January 2025, Um Yousef and her children moved into a house near the front line in Taiz.
Two months later, her 11-year-old son was injured after being shot while playing outside the home.
The incident underscored the dangers faced by civilians living in areas close to military positions.
Residents say they are forced to balance security concerns with economic survival, as many cannot afford safer housing options elsewhere in the city.
Why Does Taiz Remain a Humanitarian Challenge?
Yemen has faced one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises since the conflict escalated in 2015, with millions affected by displacement, poverty and limited access to basic services.
The war has divided the country between Houthi-controlled areas and regions controlled by the internationally recognized government and allied forces.
While a reduction in large-scale fighting has provided some relief, economic conditions remain difficult, with high unemployment, inflation and limited housing availability continuing to affect civilians.
For families in Taiz, the search for affordable shelter has increasingly pushed them toward areas where the risks of conflict remain part of daily life.