In a devastating incident reported by the Houthi-controlled Al Masirah TV channel, at least 68 people have lost their lives due to a US air strike targeting a detention center for African migrants in north-western Yemen. The air strike, which occurred in Saada province, also left 47 individuals injured, with many suffering from critical wounds. Graphic footage released by the channel shows multiple bodies buried under the debris of the destroyed building, highlighting the tragic loss of life in this conflict.
This recent air strike is part of a broader campaign initiated by the US military, which has reportedly struck over 800 targets since President Donald Trump escalated military actions against the Houthis on March 15. According to US Central Command (Centcom), these military operations have resulted in the deaths of numerous Houthi fighters, as well as significant leaders responsible for missile and drone programs. Despite these claims, the Houthi-run authorities assert that the strikes have primarily led to civilian casualties, noting a discrepancy in the reported numbers of Houthi combatant deaths.
Earlier this month, the Houthi-run health ministry reported that a series of US air strikes on the Ras Isa oil terminal along the Red Sea coast resulted in the deaths of at least 74 individuals and injured 171 others. Centcom stated that the attack compromised Ras Isa's ability to accept fuel, which would significantly impact the Houthis' operational capabilities and revenue generation for their activities. The ongoing air strikes, as outlined by President Trump, aim to completely eliminate the Houthi threat.
President Trump has recently ordered large-scale strikes against Houthi-controlled regions and has consistently threatened to "annihilate" the group. He has also issued warnings to Iran regarding its alleged support for the Houthis, a claim that Iran has consistently denied. On Sunday, Centcom emphasized its commitment to intensifying pressure on the Houthis until the goals of restoring freedom of navigation and ensuring American deterrence in the region are achieved.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have escalated their attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, employing missiles, drones, and small boat assaults. Reports indicate that they have sunk two vessels, seized a third, and resulted in the deaths of four crew members. The Houthis assert that their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, claiming, often inaccurately, that they are targeting only vessels linked to Israel, the US, or the UK.
The deployment of Western warships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden last year aimed to protect merchant vessels from Houthi aggression, but these measures have failed to deter further attacks. Additionally, despite multiple air strikes on military targets ordered by former President Biden, the Houthis have continued their aggressive actions. After taking office in January, Trump reinstated the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, a designation that the Biden administration had removed to address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
The situation in Yemen remains dire, having been ravaged by a civil war that escalated when the Houthis took control of the country’s north-west from the internationally recognized government. This conflict has led to a humanitarian disaster, with over 150,000 deaths reported and 4.8 million people displaced. Currently, around 19.5 million individuals, which accounts for half of the population, are in need of some form of humanitarian aid. The ongoing conflict and air strikes further exacerbate the already critical humanitarian situation in Yemen.
