In brief
Dozens of African migrants were killed when a facility in Saada was attacked, with conflicting reports about responsibility between U.S. forces and Houthi claims.
A tragic attack on a migrant facility in northern Yemen has resulted in the deaths of at least 68 African migrants, as reported by the Iran-backed Houthi militia and aid officials on Monday. The Houthis accused U.S. military forces of launching an airstrike on the center in Saada. The U.S. military has not yet responded to these allegations.This incident occurred shortly after U.S. Central Command announced that American forces have conducted over 800 airstrikes in Yemen since mid-March, aimed at various military targets associated with the Houthis. However, the statement did not acknowledge any civilian casualties, despite Houthi officials asserting that more than 100 civilians have died in recent attacks. They condemned the strike on the migrant facility as a grave crime against vulnerable migrants. On the same day, graphic images were aired on Houthi-controlled media showing bodies amidst the rubble in Saada. In addition to those killed, at least 40 others were reported injured, as detailed by unnamed aid officials in Yemen seeking to confirm details of the attack.Each year, tens of thousands of African migrants make the treacherous journey across the strait separating the Horn of Africa from Yemen, hoping to find opportunities in wealthier Gulf States. The International Organization for Migration reported that nearly 60,900 migrants reached Yemen in 2024 alone.Over the past year, the Houthis have engaged in missile and drone attacks on Israel and vessels in the Red Sea, claiming these measures as support for the Palestinians in Gaza. The U.S. military's bombing campaign against the Houthis intensified on March 15, as directed by President Trump, who has vowed to pursue military operations until the Houthi threat is eradicated.Ismaeel Naar, a Times reporter focused on the Gulf region, provided this coverage from Dubai.
