A US air strike has tragically killed at least 68 African migrants at a detention facility in Houthi-controlled Yemen, sparking outrage from local authorities who label it a potential "war crime." As humanitarian crises intensify, NGOs urge for immediate protection for civilians and migrants alike.
US Air Strike Claims Lives of Migrants in Yemen Detention Center
US Air Strike Claims Lives of Migrants in Yemen Detention Center
Over 68 African migrants reportedly killed in a US military strike on a detention center in Yemen amid escalating conflict.
The incident, as reported by Houthi-run media, unfolded in Saada province, where the detention center was housing approximately 115 African migrants when it was bombed early Monday. Al Masirah, the Houthi outlet, detailed the aftermath, showing graphic footage of the building's destruction and stating that 47 others sustained serious injuries. Following the airstrike, significant casualties were noted, but US Central Command has yet to confirm any details regarding civilian deaths.
A US defense official acknowledged awareness of the claims and the ongoing review into the reported casualties. This attack occurred shortly after a statement from Central Command revealed an uptick in military operations against the Houthis since President Donald Trump escalated the air campaign in March. The strikes have primarily targeted what they claim are Houthi military operations, resulting in high casualty figures among the group.
Local accounts underline the devastating impact of the strike. Survivors recounted the horror, stating that the airstrike hit while they were asleep, emphasizing the lack of military presence near the facility. Ibrahim Cabdulqaadir Macallin, chairman of the Somali community in Yemen, described witnessing "burnt people" and unrecognizable bodies.
The Houthi government condemned the strike, calling it a deliberate targeting of civilians and charging it as a war crime. The humanitarian response has come from organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross, which reported that local teams are assisting in evacuating the wounded and recovering the deceased.
Yemen has been caught in a humanitarian crisis fueled by years of conflict, with ongoing waves of migrants arriving from the Horn of Africa seeking a better life, only to encounter dire conditions. UN reports revealed that almost 60,900 migrants have arrived in 2024 alone, often ending up in hazardous situations due to lack of resources.
Recent reports indicated further US air strikes in Houthi territories, raising alarms about the human toll of ongoing military actions. The international community continues to express concerns about the escalating violence, with calls for all parties to prioritize civilian safety amidst the complex and devastating conflict landscape in Yemen.
A US defense official acknowledged awareness of the claims and the ongoing review into the reported casualties. This attack occurred shortly after a statement from Central Command revealed an uptick in military operations against the Houthis since President Donald Trump escalated the air campaign in March. The strikes have primarily targeted what they claim are Houthi military operations, resulting in high casualty figures among the group.
Local accounts underline the devastating impact of the strike. Survivors recounted the horror, stating that the airstrike hit while they were asleep, emphasizing the lack of military presence near the facility. Ibrahim Cabdulqaadir Macallin, chairman of the Somali community in Yemen, described witnessing "burnt people" and unrecognizable bodies.
The Houthi government condemned the strike, calling it a deliberate targeting of civilians and charging it as a war crime. The humanitarian response has come from organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross, which reported that local teams are assisting in evacuating the wounded and recovering the deceased.
Yemen has been caught in a humanitarian crisis fueled by years of conflict, with ongoing waves of migrants arriving from the Horn of Africa seeking a better life, only to encounter dire conditions. UN reports revealed that almost 60,900 migrants have arrived in 2024 alone, often ending up in hazardous situations due to lack of resources.
Recent reports indicated further US air strikes in Houthi territories, raising alarms about the human toll of ongoing military actions. The international community continues to express concerns about the escalating violence, with calls for all parties to prioritize civilian safety amidst the complex and devastating conflict landscape in Yemen.
