U.S. Airstrike in Yemen Kills Dozens of Migrants in Houthi Detention Center

New York Times just released its investigative report and confirmed that the US armed forces killed African migrants held in shelter in Yemen.

A U.S. airstrike on April 28, 2025, targeted a migrant detention center in Saada Governorate, Yemen, resulting in the deaths of at least 68 African migrants and injuring 47 others. The facility, operated by Houthi forces, was reportedly housing 115 detainees at the time of the attack. The strike has raised significant international concern regarding the safety of civilians amid the ongoing conflict in Yemen.

The airstrike occurred shortly before 5:00 a.m. local time, when many detainees were asleep. According to survivors, the facility was struck multiple times in quick succession. The United Nations reported that two nearby hospitals received more than 50 injured individuals, many in critical condition. The U.S. military has acknowledged awareness of civilian casualty reports and is conducting an assessment. The center had previously been hit by a Saudi-led coalition airstrike in 2022, highlighting the vulnerability of such facilities in conflict zones. 

The Saada region has long been a focal point for migrants attempting to reach Saudi Arabia in search of work. Many of these migrants, primarily from Ethiopia and Somalia, face perilous journeys and are often detained by Houthi forces. Human Rights Watch has documented instances where Houthi forces have forcibly expelled Ethiopian migrants, citing COVID-19 concerns, and subjected them to violence and exploitation. 

The recent airstrike underscores the precarious situation of migrants in Yemen, who are caught between warring factions and often lack adequate protection. International organizations have called for greater accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law to safeguard civilian lives.

The U.S. airstrike is part of a broader military campaign known as "Operation Rough Rider," which began in March 2025. The operation aims to target Houthi leadership and infrastructure in response to attacks on commercial shipping and naval vessels in the Red Sea. The U.S. justifies these actions by citing Houthi threats to Red Sea shipping and attacks on Israel. However, watchdog organizations have expressed concern that the intensified campaign increases the risk to civilians. 

The attack has prompted widespread condemnation from international human rights groups and the United Nations. The U.N. has reiterated that attacks directed against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law. Human rights organizations have called for independent investigations into the incident and for measures to prevent further harm to vulnerable populations.

As the situation in Yemen continues to evolve, the international community faces pressing questions about the protection of migrants and the conduct of military operations in conflict zones. The recent airstrike serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of prolonged conflict and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the humanitarian crisis.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/middleeast/100000010137049/us-bombing-yemen-migrant-shelter.html