The Houthi-controlled media reports that at least 68 African migrants were killed in a US airstrike on a detention centre in Saada, Yemen, drawing attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. The international community is calling for accountability while the US military conducts an investigation into the civilian casualties.
Tragic Loss of Migrants Amid US Airstrikes in Yemen
Tragic Loss of Migrants Amid US Airstrikes in Yemen
In a devastating incident, US airstrikes in Yemen reportedly killed dozens of African migrants.
At least 68 African migrants have allegedly lost their lives due to a US military airstrike targeting a detention centre in Saada, a region controlled by the Houthi armed group in north-western Yemen. Houthi-run media outlet Al Masirah claims that the strike injured another 47 migrants, many of whom are in critical condition. Onlookers have shared graphic videos depicting the grim aftermath, with bodies strewn amid the rubble of the demolished facility.
A US defence official acknowledged awareness of the claims regarding civilian casualties while emphasizing that a comprehensive inquiry is underway. This strike aligns with an intensified air campaign initiated by US President Donald Trump on March 15, purportedly aimed at targeting Houthi forces and leadership.
The detention centre in question was reportedly housing 115 African migrants at the time of the attack, which occurred shortly before dawn. Ibrahim Cabdulqaadir Macallin, a prominent figure in Yemen's Somali community, described the scene as "tragic and horrific," confirming that many of the deceased were Ethiopians.
The Houthi-run interior ministry strongly condemned the airstrike, labeling it a "war crime." The international community, including the United Nations' International Organization for Migration (IOM), expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called for parties in the conflict to respect international humanitarian laws and prioritize civilian protection.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen, which has lasted over a decade, has tragically become a perilous route for migrants from the Horn of Africa, as they seek better opportunities but often face violence, detention, and human rights abuses. Despite this, thousands continue to journey to Yemen, driven by dire conditions in their home countries.
As reports emerge of additional airstrikes targeting Houthi positions, including in the capital city of Sanaa, the cycle of violence escalates, further exacerbating the humanitarian plight in Yemen, where millions are already in need of assistance.
