US Strikes in Yemen Kill 68 at Migrant Detention Centre: Houthi Media
Saada, Yemen – Houthi media reported on Monday that US military strikes hit a migrant detention centre in Saada, their northern stronghold, killing at least 68 people and injuring 47 others. The attack marks one of the deadliest incidents in Yemen since the US launched Operation Rough Rider in March 2024 to counter Houthi threats to Red Sea shipping lanes.
According to Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV, the strike targeted a facility housing 115 African migrants in Saada, a region long under Houthi control. Footage aired by the broadcaster showed rescuers sifting through rubble and retrieving bodies, though AFP could not independently verify the claims. The UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed it did not manage the facility but urged “all efforts to avoid harm to civilians.”
The US military, which has conducted over 800 strikes in Yemen since mid-March, did not immediately comment on the allegations. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated earlier that Operation Rough Rider has “killed hundreds of Houthi fighters and leaders,” dismantling weapons depots, air defenses, and command centers.
Escalating Conflict and Houthi Defiance
The Houthis, aligned with Iran, began attacking Israel-linked and Western vessels in the Red Sea in late 2023, citing solidarity with Palestinians after Hamas’ October 2023 assault on Israel. Their assaults have disrupted 12% of global trade through the Suez Canal, forcing ships to reroute via Africa.
Despite sustained US-led strikes, the group continues to launch attacks. CENTCOM acknowledged a 69% drop in Houthi ballistic missile launches and a 55% decline in drone strikes but emphasized Iran’s ongoing support: “The Houthis can only attack with the backing of the Iranian regime.”
Humanitarian Crisis and Migrant Peril
The Saada strike highlights risks faced by migrants traversing Yemen’s Eastern Route from the Horn of Africa to Gulf nations. Tens of thousands annually brave conflict zones and treacherous seas, often seeking menial jobs in Saudi Arabia. The IOM reiterated calls to protect vulnerable populations amid escalating violence.
Recent Strikes in Sanaa
Houthi media also reported US strikes on the capital Sanaa on Sunday, killing eight and wounding others. Al-Masirah broadcast images of collapsed buildings and bloodstained debris, though casualty figures remain unverified. Earlier strikes in Sanaa claimed two lives, underscoring the conflict’s widening toll.
US Policy and Regional Implications
The Biden administration initiated strikes against the Houthis, with former President Donald Trump vowing continued military action until maritime threats cease. CENTCOM reaffirmed goals to “restore freedom of navigation and American deterrence,” signaling no near-term de-escalation.
