US airstrikes in Yemen kill dozens and hit migrant center

United States military airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, have resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries, according to media linked to the Houthis. Reports indicate that at least eight people died in attacks around Sanaa, while a devastating strike on a migrant detention center claimed 30 lives.

Although the US Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for operations in the Middle East, did not provide specific details about these recent strikes, it acknowledged conducting over 800 attacks on Yemeni targets since mid-March, leading to more than 220 deaths overall.

Al Masirah TV, a Houthi-affiliated outlet, reported that eight civilians, including women and children, were killed during an airstrike in the Bani al-Harith district of northern Sanaa. Additional strikes were carried out in Yemen’s Amran and Saada governorates, with two further deaths reported.

Tragically, a migrant detention center in Saada, housing about 100 migrants mainly from Ethiopia and other African countries hoping to reach Saudi Arabia for work, was also hit. Graphic footage showed 30 deaths as a result. Migrants crossing Yemen face severe risks, not only from ongoing conflict but also from exploitation by smuggling networks tied to the Houthis.

This is not the first tragedy involving detention centers. In 2022, a Saudi-led coalition strike killed 66 detainees, according to the United Nations, with Houthis later killing 16 fleeing detainees.

The latest US strikes push the reported death toll from US operations in Yemen to 228, based on Houthi sources. CENTCOM stated that its campaign since March 15 has killed hundreds of Houthi fighters and leaders, and that attacks will continue with limited information disclosed for operational security.

The US military claims these strikes are a response to Houthi assaults on Red Sea shipping and Israeli interests. The Houthis argue their actions are retaliation against Israel’s war in Gaza.

On April 18, the deadliest US attack so far on Yemen killed 74 people at the Ras Isa fuel port and injured 171 others. The intensified military campaign coincides with US President Donald Trump’s efforts to pressure Iran, the main Houthi supporter, into renegotiating its nuclear program.

The US operations are being launched from two aircraft carriers in the region: the USS Harry S Truman in the Red Sea and the USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea. Despite the heavy US bombardments, Houthi forces continue to fire missiles at Israel, US ships in the Red Sea, and American drones.