Ramadan in Taiz, Yemen is troubled by worries over food supply, impacted by military actions, Houthi attacks, and US-UK responses. The holy month of fasting and reflection is marred by the ongoing conflict in the region.

Sana'a

Ramadan in Taiz, Yemen, is marked by significant challenges as concerns over food supply grip the local population. These anxieties stem from a combination of military actions, Houthi insurgent attacks, and responses from the United States and the United Kingdom. The ongoing conflict in the region has severely impacted the holy month, traditionally a time of fasting, reflection, and community.

The military operations and the involvement of foreign powers, including the US and the UK, have intensified the difficulties faced by the residents of Taiz. The situation is further exacerbated by the aggressive actions of the Houthi insurgents. This combination of factors has overshadowed the spiritual and communal aspects of Ramadan, turning it into a period of uncertainty and struggle for the people in the area.



U.S. strikes in Yemen overshadows Ramadan

This is what's known as the Ramadan rush. People come to markets such as this one in the city of Taiz to stock up on special foods and buy gifts for their loved ones. Muslims here in Yemen and around the world fast from sunrise to sunset during the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. Families spend time together breaking their fast during the Iftar evening meal. But for many Yemenis their excitement this Ramadan is mixed with tension. There are concerns about the lack of access to food supplies, especially as military operations affect international shipping in the Red Sea. This affects the entry of food and it's natural for people to be concerned under these circumstances. Life in Yemen has been unstable for years with war and frequent outbreaks of violence. Houthi attacks on commercial ships that began in November have severely disrupted global trade. In response, American and British warplanes have been carrying out joint attacks on suspected Houthi weapon sites. What's happening in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden in relation to the military attacks by the Houthi militias has cast a shadow on the economic situation. It's led to an increase in the cost of shipping goods and the cost of insuring them. As a result this issue has added to the already deteriorating economic situation and has led to food shortages in the markets. Traders who've been working here for years say business is bad. We are being affected by poor sales. When people don't come to buy from us, our goods stay here for a long time. It's not an exaggeration to say some of them are spoiling. As the Houthis, the UK and the US continue their military confrontations, people here hope for a time of peace without financial burden.

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