Tragedy Strikes as Dozens of African Migrants Killed in US Air Raid on Yemen

[Social Media]

 

---

Tragedy Strikes as Dozens of African Migrants Killed in US Air Raid on Yemen

 

At least 68 African migrants have been killed following a US air strike on a detention centre in Yemen's north-western Saada province, according to the Houthi group's TV channel, Al Masirah. The channel also reported that another 47 migrants were critically injured. Shocking footage broadcast by Al Masirah showed multiple bodies buried under the rubble of the destroyed building.

 

There has been no immediate response from the US military regarding the incident. However, the strike came shortly after US Central Command announced that it had hit more than 800 targets since President Donald Trump ordered an escalation of military operations against the Houthis on March 15. Centcom stated that the campaign had "killed hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous Houthi leaders", including senior figures involved in overseeing missile and drone programs.

 

 

Despite the US claims, Houthi-controlled authorities have said the intensified air strikes have killed dozens of civilians, with few Houthi fighters reported among the casualties. The detention centre hit on Sunday night was reportedly holding 115 African migrants at the time of the strike.

 

Even after 11 years of relentless conflict, Yemen remains a destination for migrants fleeing hardship. Many arrive by boat from the Horn of Africa, hoping to reach Saudi Arabia in search of work. Yet, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), these migrants often face "exploitation, detention, violence, and dangerous journeys through active conflict zones." The IOM notes that nearly 60,900 migrants have arrived in Yemen in 2024 alone, often with no resources to survive once they arrive.

 

Earlier in April, Houthi authorities reported that a series of US strikes on the Ras Isa oil terminal on Yemen's Red Sea coast resulted in at least 74 deaths and 171 injuries. They insisted the facility was civilian and accused the US of committing a "war crime." In contrast, Centcom stated that the strike destroyed Ras Isa’s fuel-handling capabilities, claiming it would "begin to impact Houthi ability to not only conduct operations, but also to generate millions of dollars in revenue for their terror activities."

 

In March, President Trump ordered sweeping air strikes on Houthi-controlled areas and warned that the group would be "completely annihilated" if their attacks continued. Trump also cautioned Iran against providing arms to the Houthis, a charge Tehran has consistently denied.

On Sunday, Centcom reaffirmed its position, declaring that it would "continue to ratchet up the pressure until the objective is met, which remains the restoration of freedom of navigation and American deterrence in the region."

 

Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched dozens of attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden using missiles, drones, and small boats. They have succeeded in sinking two vessels, seizing another, and killing four crew members. The Houthis claim their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, often stating they are only targeting vessels linked to Israel, the US, or the UK, though many of these claims have been proven false.

 

Despite the deployment of Western naval forces to safeguard merchant shipping and multiple US military strikes ordered by former President Joe Biden, the Houthis showed little sign of retreating. 

 

Yemen’s civil war has left a catastrophic mark on the country. Since the Houthis seized control of the north-west a decade ago and a Saudi-led coalition, backed by the US, intervened to restore the internationally recognized government, more than 150,000 people have reportedly died. The fighting has also displaced 4.8 million people, while 19.5 million – half the population – are now in urgent need of humanitarian aid.

 

  Adpated by ASEAN Now from BBC  2025-04-29