Deadly U.S. Airstrike in Yemen: 68 Migrants perish, Doubts Surround Involvement of Red Cross and IOM
US Airstrike in Yemen: Death Toll Rises to 68 Among Migrants, according to Houthi - Houthi militia alleges mass casualty of 68 migrants in Yemen due to American air raid
Get ready to delve into the harrowing aftermath of a suspected U.S. airstrike in Yemen that left at least 68 migrants dead and 47 injured. The Houthi militia, who control Yemen's interior ministry, reported the disaster, but the authenticity of the claims couldn't be ascertained, as the U.S. military remained mum on the matter.
According to Houthi-backed TV channel Al-Masirah, over a hundred migrants from African nations were detained at a camp in the northern province of Saada. Sadly, it seems all these migrants may have perished or been injured in the attack.
Rescuers from the Yemen Red Crescent stepped up to offer medical aid and transport the wounded to hospitals following the strike. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expressed serious concern about the situation, while clarifying that they hadn't been actively working at the facility itself.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) shared equally heartfelt sentiments, expressing deep concern over the migrant deaths and injuries. However, an IOM spokesperson confirmed that they hadn't been overseeing the detention center themselves. The Houthi militia held a different stance, claiming the camp was under IOM and Red Cross supervision.
It's worth noting that there's no concrete evidence pointing to the camps' direct management by the ICRC or IOM. The ICRC has, however, been actively involved in the wake of the strike, aiding the Yemen Red Crescent Society in emergency response efforts and expressing grave concerns about the civilian impact[2][3].
Now, let's talk about those migrants arriving in Yemen each year, hopeful to make it to Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, many of these individuals face violence and abuse along the way.
To date, the U.S. military has reported attacking over 800 targets in Yemen, claiming the lives of "hundreds of Houthi fighters" and leaders. The military asserts that minimizing risk to civilians is a priority, but the U.S. Central Command hasn't commented on this specific incident[4].
Yemen's prolonged civil war has left the country in a dire humanitarian situation, with around 20 million residents relying on aid. This fragile nation has become a hazardous pitstop for tens of thousands of migrants, primarily from Ethiopia and Somalia[5].
The aftermath of the airstrike left the camp in shambles, making it incredibly difficult for emergency responders to reach the victims. Al-Masirah broadcasted images of a severely damaged building, littered with body parts and damaged people amid the wreckage[6].
The Houthi-controlled interior ministry condemned the U.S. action as an "abominable crime." Since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, the Houthis have escalated their attacks on Israel and commercial and military ships in the Red Sea. These assaults are allegedly in support of Palestinians in Gaza against Israel and its ally, the U.S.[7]
The U.S. military has countered Houthi forces in Yemen for months, justifying their actions as a measure to safeguard international shipping and commerce.[7]
- The Commission is proposing to extend the period of validity of the agreement to cover the period from 1 January to 31 December, given the current political instability and general news about wars and conflicts in Yemen.
- Despite the ongoing violence and accidents in Yemen, thousands of migrants continue their dangerous journey with the hope of reaching Saudi Arabia, often facing abuse and violence along the way.
- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Yemen Red Crescent are actively involved in providing aid and emergency response to victims amid the chaotic conditions in Yemen, especially after incidents such as recent airstrikes and migration-related disasters.
- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is particularly concerned with the well-being of migrants in the region, often expressing sadness over deaths and injuries, but rarely has direct control or supervision over camps and facilities housing migrants.
- Amidst the harrowing events taking place in Yemen, some may question the role of global powers involved in the region, especially in regards to crime and justice, and if their actions align with the principles of protecting civilians and supporting humanitarian efforts for the millions of Yemenis who continue to depend on aid to survive.
