1:54 am - April 20, 2026
Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed that a US airstrike hit a prison in the Saada governorate on Monday, killing at least 68 people and injuring 47 others. The prison, according to the Houthis, was holding African migrants, primarily from Ethiopia. The US military has yet to comment on the incident. This attack, part of the ongoing conflict in Yemen, has drawn renewed attention to the safety of migrants in the region and raised concerns over the role of the US in the war.
Incident Details
The alleged airstrike targeted a facility in Yemen’s Saada province, a region controlled by the Houthi rebels. The attack occurred amid the ongoing civil war, which has led to numerous casualties, including migrants attempting to reach Saudi Arabia for work. Graphic footage aired by the Houthi-run Al-Masirah satellite channel showed the aftermath of the strike, with bodies and injured individuals visible at the site.
US Military’s Response
The US military did not provide an immediate response to the incident, following its usual policy of limiting details about its airstrike campaigns. In a statement issued earlier, US Central Command emphasized that it has refrained from disclosing specifics regarding operations to protect operational security. The US has conducted numerous airstrikes in Yemen as part of its broader strategy to target Houthi rebels, who have been linked to missile and drone attacks on regional shipping lanes and on Israel.
African Migrants in Yemen
African migrants, primarily from Ethiopia, have long used Yemen as a transit point in their journey to Saudi Arabia. Many face dangerous conditions, including detention, abuse, and death. The Houthi rebels are accused of profiting from the migrant trade, with tens of thousands of dollars allegedly made each week through smuggling operations. This airstrike has brought attention back to the plight of migrants caught in the crossfire of Yemen’s ongoing conflict.
Past Incidents Involving Migrants
The alleged airstrike on Monday recalled a similar attack in 2022 when a Saudi-led coalition airstrike hit a detention center in Yemen, killing 66 people and injuring 113. The United Nations had condemned that attack, which was justified by the coalition as targeting a site used by the Houthis for launching drones. The UN report stated that the facility was a known detention center and should have been avoided.
US Strategy in Yemen
The US has conducted over 800 airstrikes in Yemen, targeting Houthi fighters and key infrastructure. The US military’s Operation Rough Rider, which is focused on diminishing the threat posed by the Houthis, has aimed at disrupting their missile and drone capabilities. According to a recent statement by US Central Command, the operation has killed hundreds of Houthi fighters and leaders. The US military has also noted that Iran continues to provide support to the Houthis, which has fueled the ongoing conflict.
Targeting of Strategic Locations
In addition to the alleged prison strike, the US conducted airstrikes on Yemen’s Ras Isa fuel port on April 18. This attack killed 74 people and wounded 171. The US explained that the strike was aimed at disrupting the Houthis’ ability to generate revenue from the port, which is a key source of funding for the group’s activities. The US military emphasized that its goal is to diminish the Houthis’ operational capabilities and limit their ability to threaten international shipping routes.
Houthi Control Over Information
Amid the ongoing conflict, the Houthis have taken steps to control information within their territory. They recently announced a crackdown on the use of Starlink satellite internet receivers, warning residents to hand over the devices or face arrest. Starlink terminals have been crucial for communication, notably in Ukraine during the Russian invasion, and their use has also been reported in Iran.