At least 68 African migrants have died in a U.S. airstrike on a detention center in Houthi-controlled north-western Yemen, according to reports from the group’s TV channel. The airstrike, which occurred in Saada province, also left 47 others critically injured. Graphic footage from the scene showed numerous bodies buried under rubble, and first responders were seen recovering the remains of at least a dozen individuals.
The U.S. military has not responded to the incident yet. However, the attack follows a series of strikes ordered by President Donald Trump since March 15, aimed at intensifying the air campaign against the Houthis. U.S. Central Command reported that over 800 targets had been hit, including killing hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous senior leaders overseeing missile and drone programs.
The Houthi-run authorities condemned the strike, calling it a “deliberate bombing” and a “war crime.” The International Organization for Migration (IOM) expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and reiterated the importance of protecting civilians under international law. Similarly, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) noted that local teams had evacuated the wounded and managed the dead with dignity. The facility, previously visited by the ICRC, was run by local authorities.
The airstrike hit the migrant detention center, reportedly holding 115 individuals, at around 05:00 local time on Monday. Though casualty reports could not be immediately verified, videos showed destruction inside the building, with survivors recounting their experiences. One survivor, speaking in Amharic, could be heard calling for his mother, while another stated, “The strike hit us while we were sleeping.”
This attack comes amid continuing migration to Yemen from the Horn of Africa, where political instability, economic hardship, and environmental crises push migrants to seek better opportunities in neighboring Saudi Arabia. However, upon arrival in Yemen, they face exploitation, violence, and hazardous journeys through conflict zones. In 2024, nearly 60,900 migrants arrived, mostly Ethiopians and Somalis, many of whom ended up in overcrowded, abusive detention centers.
The Houthi-run government also reported that recent U.S. airstrikes on the Ras Isa oil terminal killed 74 people and wounded 171. They condemned these strikes as war crimes, while the U.S. described the destruction as a blow to Houthi operations and a key revenue source.
The U.S. strikes are part of a broader campaign that began under former President Trump, who authorized large-scale attacks against Houthi positions. Despite these efforts, the Houthis have continued targeting maritime traffic in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, claiming their actions are in support of Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
The conflict in Yemen, which began in 2015, has resulted in more than 150,000 deaths and a humanitarian disaster. With millions displaced and nearly half the population in need of aid, the situation remains dire.
