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Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed on Monday that a U.S. airstrike targeted a prison housing African migrants, resulting in the deaths of at least 68 individuals and injuring 47 others.
The incident occurred in Yemen’s Saada governorate, raising concerns regarding the U.S. military operation, termed “Operation Rough Rider,” which has been primarily focused on Houthi forces. This military campaign has come under scrutiny in Washington, especially following discussions among Donald Trump administration officials regarding sensitive, classified details related to a previous attack that involved the Signal messaging app.
The American military has confirmed it has conducted over 800 strikes during this month-long operation. A recent statement from the U.S. indicated that “Operation Rough Rider” has claimed “hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous Houthi leaders,” particularly those linked to their missile and drone initiatives, although specific identities were not disclosed.
“To maintain operational security, we have purposely limited our disclosure of ongoing or planned operations,” Central Command stated. “We approach our operations with caution but will not divulge specifics regarding past or future actions.”
WATCH l How target details were shared with journalist, and the denials that followed:
Signal chat leak: Attack plans exposed, CIA defence explained
Several Trump administration officials faced backlash after inadvertently including a journalist in a Signal group chat discussing strike plans against Houthi targets in Yemen. Andrew Chang examines the defenses provided by security officials and the complexities surrounding the truth of the events.
The U.S. military has not yet responded to inquiries from The Associated Press regarding the alleged strike in Saada.
Targeting the Houthis stems from their activities against shipping lanes in the Red Sea, a critical route for global trade, as well as their attacks on Israel. The Houthis remain the only militant faction within Iran’s declared Axis of Resistance capable of launching regular assaults on Israel.
“Iran undoubtedly continues to provide support to the Houthis,” the statement affirmed. “The Houthis’ ability to strike our forces is directly linked to the backing from the Iranian regime.”
“We will persist in increasing pressure until our objective is achieved, which is the restoration of free navigation and the deterrence of American interests in the region,” the statement concluded.
Amid continuing hostilities, the Trump administration has initiated negotiations with Iran, the Houthis’ main ally, regarding Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program. The U.S. is conducting the strikes from two aircraft carriers stationed in the region—the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea and the USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea. On April 18, an American attack on the Ras Isa fuel port resulted in at least 74 casualties, with 171 individuals injured, marking one of the most deadly incidents of the American campaign.
Additionally, U.S. airstrikes targeting Yemen’s capital Sanaa resulted in the deaths of at least eight people, according to Houthi reports.
WATCH l Some Red Sea attacks have little connection to war in Gaza:
How the Houthis defied the U.S. | About That
As Houthi rebels in Yemen continue to disrupt shipping activities and attack vessels in the Red Sea, the U.S. is responding with military strikes. Andrew Chang analyzes the potential risks of escalating tensions in the region and the thresholds both sides may reach.
Migrant centre hit by airstrike 3 years ago
Graphic footage broadcast by the Houthi-run al-Masirah satellite news outlet displayed what appeared to be numerous deceased individuals and others suffering injuries at the strike site. The Houthi-run Interior Ministry reported that around 115 migrants were detained there.
Analysis of footage by AP indicated that some form of explosion had transpired, with the building’s concrete walls showing signs of damage from debris. In the background, a woman’s voice can be heard softly reciting a prayer in Arabic, beginning with “In the name of God.”
Ethiopian and other African migrants have long ventured into Yemen, risking their lives to reach Saudi Arabia in search of work. The Houthi rebels reportedly profit significantly from smuggling migrants across the border.
Over the years, migrants from Ethiopia have faced detention, abuse, and even violence amidst the conflict that has persisted since 2015, involving a Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis.
The strike on Monday echoed a previous attack by the Saudi-led coalition in 2022 on the same facility, which resulted in the deaths of 66 detainees and injuries to 113 others, as reported by the United Nations later on. Furthermore, the Houthis executed 16 detainees who attempted to escape following the strike, injuring another 50, according to the UN.
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