SAADA, Yemen: A U.S. airstrike on a migrant detention center in Yemen’s northern Saada province killed at least 68 African migrants and wounded 47 others, according to Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV. The tragic incident has triggered global outrage over the rising civilian toll in conflict zones.
The targeted facility housed approximately 115 migrants, primarily Ethiopians, who were detained while trying to transit through Yemen en route to Saudi Arabia. Local officials confirmed the attack caused widespread destruction and left dozens of bodies trapped under the rubble.
Despite mounting criticism, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has not directly addressed the airstrike on the detention center. However, CENTCOM admitted to carrying out over 800 strikes across Yemen since mid-March under “Operation Rough Rider.” This military campaign aims to weaken the Houthis’ capabilities, especially in response to their attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes and alleged ties with Iran.
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Echoes of Past Tragedy
This latest tragedy mirrors a 2022 incident when a Saudi-led coalition airstrike targeted the same compound. That strike killed at least 66 detainees and injured over 100 others. Humanitarian groups condemned that attack and warned that migrant centers in Yemen remain vulnerable amid ongoing conflicts.
International Concerns Mount
The escalating military actions by the U.S. have reignited debates about the risks faced by civilians in Yemen. Human rights organizations have voiced serious concerns over the humanitarian consequences of airstrikes that fail to distinguish between military targets and civilian infrastructure.
“This attack is a grim reminder of the catastrophic impact armed conflicts have on vulnerable populations,” said a spokesperson from a leading international NGO. “Migrants, who are already at the mercy of human traffickers and armed groups, now face the added danger of being caught in deadly air raids.”
The United Nations also called for an independent investigation into the incident, urging all parties to respect international humanitarian law.
Background to the Conflict
Yemen has been ravaged by war for nearly a decade, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The conflict has displaced millions, and the country’s fragile infrastructure continues to collapse under the weight of violence.
Migrants from East Africa, particularly Ethiopia and Somalia, often pass through Yemen in desperate attempts to reach Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations. Many find themselves detained in harsh conditions or fall victim to violence along the way.
Future Implications
The deadly strike on April 28 threatens to inflame tensions in the region and could undermine diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation. Experts warn that continued military campaigns without regard for civilian casualties risk prolonging Yemen’s suffering and destabilizing the broader Middle East.
As international pressure mounts, all eyes are now on Washington to explain its actions and take steps to prevent future civilian tragedies.
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