Houthi TV reports 68 dead after US strike on migrant detention centre in Yemen

The strike in Yemen's Saada governorate, a stronghold for the Houthis, is the latest incident in the country's decadelong war to kill African migrants from Ethiopia.

By: Express Web Desk
Updated: April 28, 2025 12:48 PM IST

2 min read

Smoke rises from a location which Houthi rebels said was hit by US airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen. (AP)

According to Yemen’s Houthi-run Al Masirah TV, at least 68 bodies were recovered and and 47 others were wounded following a US airstrike in Yemen’s Saada governorate, a region known as a Houthi stronghold. The strike reportedly targeted a detention center that housed African migrants.

Houthi rebels claim that the strike hit a facility holding around 100 African migrants, including individuals from Ethiopia, who were allegedly detained in the region. While casualties are still being assessed, graphic footage aired by Al Masirah showed the aftermath, with injured individuals and several bodies at the site.

The cause of the explosion appeared to be a blast, as debris and fragments littered the cement walls of the facility.

The incident is the latest tragedy involving African migrants who often find themselves caught in the crossfire of Yemen’s ongoing war as they seek work in neighboring Saudi Arabia. Migrants from Ethiopia and other African nations have faced abuse and, at times, death while attempting to cross the conflict-ridden country.

US military response

The US military has not yet commented on the alleged strike, and US Central Command’s policy of withholding specific details about its operations has come into question following this incident. A statement from US Central Command on Monday reiterated the deliberate approach to its operations, which are part of the broader “Operation Rough Rider” campaign targeting the Houthi rebels.

This ongoing effort has included over 800 airstrikes since its inception.

Also Read: | Expert Explains: In US fresh attacks on Houthis, what are Trump’s new objectives

In their campaign, the US military claims to have killed hundreds of Houthi fighters, including high-ranking members involved in missile and drone operations. Central Command continues to emphasise the link between the Houthis and Iran, which has been accused of providing support to the rebel group.

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The situation recalls past incidents where African migrants have been detained or killed in Yemen and Saudi Arabia amid the ongoing war. A 2022 UN report detailed the deaths of up to 430 migrants due to cross-border fire by Saudi security forces, a claim that was denied by Saudi Arabia.

(With inputs from Reuters and AP)

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