Yemen's Houthi rebels have pledged to continue their attacks in the Red and Arabian seas following a suspected US strike that targeted the militia and resulted in the deaths of dozens of African migrants.
The airstrike hit a detention center in Saada, where more than a hundred African migrants were held. The Houthis claim that 68 individuals were killed and 47 were injured in the attack.
The rebel group, aligned with Iran, alleged that the detention center was managed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Red Cross, making the strike a war crime.
While the exact number of casualties is unconfirmed, the IOM stated that many migrants were likely harmed in the airstrike, describing the incident as a tragedy.
The US military has not provided immediate comments on the situation. The US has been conducting frequent strikes against the Houthis in an operation known as "Rough Rider" since mid-March, aiming to eliminate the threat posed to vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The Houthis have targeted Israeli and western vessels in solidarity with Palestinians since October 2023. Their recent attack on Israel's Nevatim airbase with a hypersonic ballistic missile was intercepted by Israeli defences.
Footage from the Houthis' al-Masirah satellite news channel depicted the aftermath of the strike, showing dead bodies and wounded individuals at the detention center.
Yemen has been a crucial transit point for African migrants aiming to reach Saudi Arabia and Oman, with an estimated 300,000 migrants in the country. The Houthis reportedly profit from smuggling people across the border.
The recent strike echoes a previous attack by a Saudi-led coalition on the same compound in 2022, which resulted in numerous casualties. The US has intensified its strikes against the Houthis since the Trump administration designated them as a terrorist organization.
Despite claims of decimating the Houthis, the effectiveness of US strikes remains contested. The UK has played a significant role in supporting US military operations in the region.
Over 750 strikes have been authorized since the decision to escalate bombardment in mid-March, with the Houthis claiming to have downed multiple US drones.
The future of the Houthis and their leadership remains uncertain, with potential implications for the region's stability and Iran's involvement in Yemen's conflict.