A recent assault on a Houthi-controlled facility has raised concerns about civilian impact amidst ongoing conflict in Yemen.
Dozens Killed in Yemen Attack on Migrant Facility, Claims Houthi Militants
Dozens Killed in Yemen Attack on Migrant Facility, Claims Houthi Militants
U.S. military remains silent on the claims of an American strike, as humanitarian agencies report casualties among migrants.
In a tragic incident on Monday, a migrant facility located in Saada, northern Yemen, was reportedly targeted in an attack that left at least 68 African migrants dead, according to the Houthi militia and aid officials. The Iran-backed Houthis have claimed that the strike was a direct result of an American military operation. The U.S. military has not yet commented on these allegations.
This incident follows a series of over 800 airstrikes conducted by U.S. forces in Yemen since mid-March. U.S. officials have maintained that these military actions aim to dismantle Houthi command-and-control systems, air defenses, and weapon storage facilities. However, there has been no acknowledgment of potential civilian casualties in their statements. Conversely, Houthi authorities assert that more than 100 civilians have died from these strikes and have condemned the recent incident as a heinous act against vulnerable migrants.
In the wake of the attack, graphic imagery broadcast by the Houthi-controlled al-Masirah channel depicted the scene of devastation in Saada, illustrating the harrowing aftermath. Aid representatives confirmed that at least 40 additional migrants sustained injuries from the incident. Each year, a significant number of African migrants undertake the treacherous journey from the Horn of Africa to Yemen, with hopes of migrating to more prosperous Gulf nations. Reports from the International Organization for Migration indicated that nearly 60,900 migrants arrived in Yemen in 2024 alone, highlighting the desperation driving these individuals.
The Houthi militia has also escalated its military actions by launching rockets and drones targeting Israel while proclaiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Meanwhile, the U.S. bombing campaign authorized by President Trump continues as he pledges to address threats posed by the Houthis.
Ismaeel Naar, a distinguished international correspondent for The Times, focuses on the Gulf region from his base in Dubai, providing vital insights on this evolving crisis.
This incident follows a series of over 800 airstrikes conducted by U.S. forces in Yemen since mid-March. U.S. officials have maintained that these military actions aim to dismantle Houthi command-and-control systems, air defenses, and weapon storage facilities. However, there has been no acknowledgment of potential civilian casualties in their statements. Conversely, Houthi authorities assert that more than 100 civilians have died from these strikes and have condemned the recent incident as a heinous act against vulnerable migrants.
In the wake of the attack, graphic imagery broadcast by the Houthi-controlled al-Masirah channel depicted the scene of devastation in Saada, illustrating the harrowing aftermath. Aid representatives confirmed that at least 40 additional migrants sustained injuries from the incident. Each year, a significant number of African migrants undertake the treacherous journey from the Horn of Africa to Yemen, with hopes of migrating to more prosperous Gulf nations. Reports from the International Organization for Migration indicated that nearly 60,900 migrants arrived in Yemen in 2024 alone, highlighting the desperation driving these individuals.
The Houthi militia has also escalated its military actions by launching rockets and drones targeting Israel while proclaiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Meanwhile, the U.S. bombing campaign authorized by President Trump continues as he pledges to address threats posed by the Houthis.
Ismaeel Naar, a distinguished international correspondent for The Times, focuses on the Gulf region from his base in Dubai, providing vital insights on this evolving crisis.
