Fighting on Yemen's west coast has triggered a significant exodus, with thousands of people fleeing by boat across the Bab al-Mandab Strait to Djibouti over the past ten days. The BBC's Frank Gardner visited a refugee camp in the port town of Obock, where officials are preparing for a potential influx of up to 10,000 individuals.

The perilous crossings have been directly linked to an offensive launched by the Iran-backed Houthi movement, which seeks to capture a key island and seize the strategically vital port of Mokha. This escalating conflict in Yemen is creating a humanitarian crisis, forcing civilians to undertake dangerous journeys in search of safety.

According to the UN's International Organisation for Migration, refugees are arriving on overcrowded boats with extremely limited supplies of food and water. The conditions underscore the desperation of those fleeing the violence and the immense challenges faced by aid organizations attempting to provide assistance.

The situation highlights the volatile security landscape in Yemen and its far-reaching consequences for regional stability and civilian populations. The increased number of arrivals in Djibouti is expected to place considerable strain on the country's resources and infrastructure, particularly in the Obock region.

Djibouti, located just across the narrow strait from Yemen, has historically served as a destination for those fleeing conflict. However, the scale of the current displacement, driven by the Houthi push towards Mokha, presents a new level of challenge.

Officials in Obock are actively working to scale up the camp's capacity and logistical support. The focus is on ensuring that basic necessities such as shelter, food, and medical care are available for the arriving refugees, many of whom are likely to be vulnerable women and children.

The ongoing offensive by the Houthis in Yemen's west coast region is a critical development in the country's protracted civil war. The port of Mokha holds significant strategic and economic importance, and its potential capture by the Houthis could alter the balance of power in the conflict.

As the situation in Yemen continues to evolve, the international community is monitoring the humanitarian impact closely. The ongoing refugee flows to Djibouti underscore the urgent need for a de-escalation of hostilities and a lasting political solution to the conflict.