At least 68 African migrants lost their lives in a recent US airstrike on a detention center in Yemen. This tragic event took place in Saada, a region controlled by the Houthi movement. Reports indicate that another 47 individuals were injured, many critically, in the bombing. Graphic footage showed bodies buried under the debris of the destroyed building. The US military has not yet responded to these claims.
This airstrike came soon after US Central Command announced that they had targeted over 800 sites since mid-March, as part of an ongoing military campaign against the Houthis. They claim these strikes have taken out numerous Houthi fighters, including major leaders overseeing missile and drone operations.
The detention center in Saada was reportedly holding 115 migrants when it was hit. Despite Yemen’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, migrants continue to arrive, often seeking better opportunities in Saudi Arabia. Many face serious dangers during their journeys, including exploitation and violence, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). In 2024, nearly 60,900 migrants made the perilous journey, often arriving with little to no resources.
Earlier this month, another airstrike on the Ras Isa oil terminal reportedly killed at least 74 people. The Houthi-led authorities condemned this attack as a “war crime,” claiming the terminal was civilian infrastructure. US Central Command stated that the strike aimed to disrupt the Houthis’ ability to generate revenue for their activities.
This rise in military action follows President Trump’s orders for intensified strikes against the Houthis, warning that they would face severe consequences. The Houthis have also retaliated, launching attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea, targeting what they claim are enemies linked to Israel and the US. This ongoing exchange underscores the complex geopolitical tensions in the region.
Since the start of Yemen’s civil war in 2014, the conflict has escalated, leaving over 150,000 people dead and displacing millions. Today, around 19.5 million people depend on humanitarian aid, as the country faces one of the world’s worst crises. The situation remains dire, and the need for global focus on Yemen’s humanitarian disaster is critical.
For more insights on the ongoing crisis in Yemen, you can refer to the report by [BBC News](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clywg335680o) for a broader understanding of the conflict’s impact.