In Yemen, increasing number of civilians are fleeing embattled Sa'ada province in northern Yemen as the fighting between Government troops and Al Houthi rebels rages on. According to a statement of the United Nations refugee agency, received by AIR, Dubai today, those fleeing the violence are seeking shelter in camps and with host families in the neighbouring southern provinces of Hajjah and Amran.<br/><br/>The spokesperson of UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Andrej Mahecic said that this new displacement puts increasing pressure on UNHCR’s attempts to alleviate the suffering of the people in need. UNHCR estimates that 175,000 people have been affected by the conflict in Yemen since 2004, including those displaced by the latest crisis.<br/><br/>Meanwhile, Security analysts fear that this conflict may escalate the regional tension due to involvement of regional countries. Reports say that Saudi Arabia is creating a buffer zone along its border with Yemen. It has also imposed a naval blockade on the Red Sea coast of northern Yemen to stop Yemeni rebels getting arms and ammunitions through this route. The Saudi move comes as Iran accused by the Arabs of backing the rebels. Iran on the other hand warned neighbouring countries not to interfere in Yemen’s internal affairs.<br/><br/>The Yemeni army has been pursuing an offensive against Houthi rebels in north since 11th August this year after the ceasefire between government and rebels broke.<br/>