US Airstrike Claims Lives of Migrants in Yemen Detention Center

A recent US air raid on a detention center in Houthi-controlled Yemen led to the deaths of dozens of African migrants, reigniting concerns over the humanitarian crisis in the region. Both the Houthis and international observers condemned the strike, describing it as a potential war crime and highlighting the ongoing plight of migrants caught in the conflict.

At least 68 African migrants were reportedly killed and 47 injured in a recent US airstrike on a detention center in Saada province, according to media outlets aligned with the Houthi movement. The attack occurred early on Monday, with graphic reports showing lifeless bodies among the debris of a building. The US Central Command has acknowledged the claims of civilian casualties but emphasized that their ongoing operations in the region aim to counteract the Houthis, who have been targeted in an intensified air campaign initiated after President Donald Trump's order in March.

Reports indicate the detention center housed around 115 African migrants at the time of the strike, which allegedly hit the facility four times. Eyewitness accounts and videos corroborate the devastating aftermath, with first responders seen recovering bodies amid concrete rubble. Ibrahim Cabdulqaadir Macallin, representing the Somali community in Yemen, characterized the situation as “tragic and horrific,” noting that while the number of Somalis killed was limited due to an earlier transfer, many others detained were Ethiopians.

The Houthi authorities condemned the strike as a “deliberate bombing,” labeling it a “war crime.” In response to the reports, the US defense official indicated that an assessment was underway to evaluate the extent of the alleged civilian casualties. The International Organisation for Migration expressed deep sorrow over the incident, reinforcing its commitment to monitoring developments in the region, while the Red Cross supported evacuation efforts for the wounded.

The humanitarian situation in Yemen remains dire, exacerbated by years of conflict and instability. Despite the risks, thousands of migrants continue to arrive from the Horn of Africa, driven by dire conditions in their home countries and seeking better opportunities in neighboring Saudi Arabia. Current estimates indicate that nearly 60,900 migrants have arrived in Yemen in 2024 alone, yet many endure extreme hardships including overcrowding and abuse in detention centers.

This recent airstrike is not an isolated event; similar incidents occurred last year when coalition strikes reportedly killed numerous individuals near detention facilities. The Houthis have retaliated for previous US airstrikes, indicating ongoing tensions and a cycle of violence amidst the humanitarian crisis that has left millions in need of assistance since the escalation of the civil war in 2015. In recent statements, Centcom pledged an ongoing military strategy against the Houthis to ensure freedom of navigation in the region while addressing the ongoing threats to security.

As the situation in Yemen continues to evolve, the international community faces mounting pressure to respond to the escalating humanitarian crisis and the severe impact on innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.