Houthi rebels claim a U.S. airstrike has killed at least 68 African migrants and injured 47 others at a detention facility in Yemen, raising serious questions about targeting protocols in America’s ongoing military campaign against the Iran-backed group.
Key Takeaways
- Houthi officials report a U.S. airstrike hit a detention center housing approximately 100 African migrants in Yemen’s Saada Governorate, killing at least 68 people.
- The U.S. military has been conducting an “intense and sustained campaign” against Houthi targets since March 15, striking over 800 targets.
- The U.S. Central Command has not yet commented on the specific allegations regarding the migrant detention center strike.
- The airstrike campaign intensified under President Donald Trump’s administration following Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea region.
- U.S. military officials claim their operations have significantly reduced Houthi ballistic missile launches and drone attacks while disrupting their revenue generation.
Deadly Strike on Detention Center
According to Houthi officials, an American airstrike hit a detention facility in Yemen’s northern Saada Governorate, resulting in a devastating toll. The strike reportedly killed at least 68 people and injured 47 others at a center that housed over 100 African migrants. The incident represents one of the deadliest single attacks reported in the ongoing military campaign against Houthi forces. The timing comes amid escalating tensions in the region as the U.S. continues its efforts to neutralize Houthi capabilities following months of attacks on international shipping lanes.
The U.S. Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East, has not issued an immediate response to the allegations. This lack of confirmation or denial leaves significant questions unanswered about target selection, intelligence assessment, and civilian protection measures. The reported high casualty count among migrants, who are not combatants in the conflict, raises concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law that governs armed conflict.
Every night for the past 6 weeks the U.S air force carries out heavy air strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.
These strikes have killed dozens of senior political and military Houthi figures as well as destroyed missile launching capabilities.
This is footage from tonight. pic.twitter.com/vGym9KzoXH
— James J. Marlow (@James_J_Marlow) April 27, 2025
U.S. Military Campaign Against Houthis
The U.S. military has been conducting what it describes as an “intense and sustained campaign” against Houthi targets since March 15. This operation has involved strikes on more than 800 targets and reportedly killed numerous Houthi fighters and leaders. The campaign significantly escalated under President Donald Trump’s administration in direct response to Houthi attacks on commercial and military vessels traversing vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These waterways are crucial arteries for global trade, with disruptions potentially causing significant economic impacts.
Central Command has reported substantial progress in the campaign, claiming a significant reduction in Houthi ballistic missile launches and drone attacks. Military officials have also stated that U.S. strikes have degraded the Houthi’s operational capabilities and disrupted their revenue generation mechanisms. Despite these reported successes, U.S. officials continue to assert that Iran provides ongoing support to the Houthi movement, supplying weapons and technical expertise that enables their attacks on international shipping.
Regional Context and Humanitarian Concerns
The Houthis began their campaign of attacks on international shipping in October 2023, citing solidarity with Palestinians following Israel’s military operations in Gaza. This has added another complex dimension to an already volatile regional situation. The group controls significant portions of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and much of the country’s northern territory. Their ongoing conflict with the internationally recognized government of Yemen has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with millions suffering from food insecurity, displacement, and limited access to basic services.
The reported strike on a migrant detention facility highlights the particularly vulnerable position of foreign nationals and displaced persons in Yemen. African migrants often travel through Yemen seeking economic opportunities in Gulf states, but many end up detained, exploited, or caught in crossfire. If confirmed, this incident would represent a significant humanitarian tragedy within the broader context of Yemen’s ongoing conflict and America’s military campaign to restore what officials describe as “freedom of navigation” in vital shipping lanes.
