A recent US air strike on a migrants' detention centre in Yemen has resulted in significant civilian casualties, igniting criticism and calls for accountability amidst an ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Tragic US Air Strike in Yemen Claims Lives of African Migrants
Tragic US Air Strike in Yemen Claims Lives of African Migrants
Dozens of migrants are reported dead as US military actions escalate in Yemen's northwest, sparking outrage and accusations of war crimes from Houthi authorities.
At least 68 African migrants reportedly lost their lives in a US airstrike targeting a detention centre in the Houthi-controlled region of northwestern Yemen, according to claims made by Houthi-run media outlet Al Masirah. The strike, which occurred in Saada province, has left another 47 individuals critically injured, and video footage shared by the outlet depicted extensive destruction, with bodies emerging from the rubble of the blown-up facility.
A US military spokesperson acknowledged the reports of civilian casualties but emphasized that Central Command (Centcom) was conducting a thorough investigation. This latest airstrike forms part of a larger military campaign, initiated by President Donald Trump, aimed at the Houthi forces since mid-March, during which US forces have purportedly attacked over 800 targets.
Eyewitness accounts and reports from local authorities highlight the terrible conditions within the detention centre, which housed a majority of Ethiopian migrants. Ibrahim Cabdulqaadir Macallin, chairman of the Somali community in Yemen, described the attack as "tragic and horrific," detailing the chaotic scene where first responders uncovered burnt and unrecognizable bodies.
The Houthi-run interior ministry condemned the strike as a "deliberate bombing" and declared it a war crime. In light of these events, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) expressed deep sorrow regarding the loss of life and called for all conflicting parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and adhere to international laws.
The assault on the detention centre is not an isolated incident; it follows a similar tragic strike last year, where numerous individuals were killed under comparable circumstances. Migrants continue to enter Yemen from the Horn of Africa, fleeing dire conditions in their home countries, with many intending to reach Saudi Arabia for work. Instead, they often find themselves facing exploitation and violence, a dangerous reality compounded by the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
As airstrikes escalate, the Houthis have retaliated against US interests, attempting to target military vessels in the region and claiming their actions are a response to ongoing aggression. This cycle of violence has perpetuated the devastating humanitarian crisis in Yemen, which has already caused the deaths of over 150,000 people and left millions in urgent need of assistance, as the conflict, now ongoing for over a decade, continues to ravage the nation.
