In the tawny landscapes of Taiz, Yemen, the al-Makha port has become more than just a trade hub; it is a lifeline for families grappling with the harsh realities of conflict and political instability. Established livelihoods are being threatened as recent Houthi attacks have not only claimed lives but also forced many workers into joblessness. With the resurgence of violence, daily survival has shifted from earning a wage to simply seeking safety, casting a shadow over a community already facing immense challenges.
In Taiz, Yemen, the al-Makha port has served as a vital economic lifeline since its reopening in 2021. Mohammed Al-Homaidi, a laborer in his 30s, was one of the thousands whose daily earnings provided a stable life for their families. However, on August 9, the tranquility of the port was shattered by Houthi attacks that claimed the lives of at least seven individuals, forcing workers like Al-Homaidi to prioritize safety over their livelihoods amidst escalating violence from Houthi forces following the collapse of a long-standing truce.
The harrowing experience of that day left Al-Homaidi fearing for his life. “The explosions were relentless,” he recounted. “We couldn’t flee because the blasts were continuous.” He finally managed to escape after an hour and a half of confinement amidst the chaos. In total, thirty others sustained injuries during the barrage of drone and missile strikes, further underscoring the dangers facing those in and around the port.
Since the escalation of hostilities, Houthi attacks have targetted not only the port but also other civilian infrastructures, halting operations and putting over 1,500 workers, including Al-Homaidi, out of work. The port’s closure, however, represents a more profound struggle, as many rely on daily wages to provide for their families, and without jobs, the future looks dire.
Al-Homaidi’s attempts to find alternatives have also been thwarted. Fishing, once a secondary source of income, has become too perilous. Authorities have ordered local fishermen to remain ashore until conditions improve, but desperation has driven some to risk venturing into the dangerous waters of the Red Sea. A group of fishermen who did set out on August 11 has since gone missing, and their families are left searching in uncertainty.
The broader community is feeling the effects of the attacks. Public beaches, parks, and other recreational areas have been closed. Families are limited in their movements due to ongoing dangers, and nightly curfews have been instituted to safeguard against potential threats. Furthermore, communications have been severely disrupted, with most residents lacking access to landline or mobile services, leaving them isolated from the outside world.
Abdulmalik Al-Sharabi, director of the al-Makha port, confirmed the suspension of operations, noting a significant impact on local livelihoods. “More than 1,500 port workers have lost their jobs due to the attacks,” he stated. He further explained the destruction inflicted upon crucial infrastructure, which had taken years to establish after the port’s long closure between 2015 and 2021.
The closure means that both local traders and fishermen face an uncertain future. For Abdulraoof Abdullah, a fisherman with a family of eight, this uncertainty has quickly turned critical. “We are out of work now. Our homes are almost empty of food,” he expressed, highlighting the dire economic situation facing many. He and his family have had to borrow money or seek assistance from friends just to secure daily meals.
Local traders like Rashad, who rely on imports through the al-Makha port, are also grappling with heightened logistical costs. “Our goods are currently stuck in Djibouti,” he shared, illustrating how the ongoing situation has disrupted trade routes. If the port remains closed, significant price increases on essential goods are expected, further impacting local families who already struggle to make ends meet.
Despite the challenges, the spirit of the community remains resilient. Each day brings new hardships, but the hope for restoration and stability continues to drive those impacted, emphasizing the remarkable strength of families in al-Makha.
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