CAIRO, April 28 —
The US Air Force launched airstrikes on the city of Saada, located in northwestern Yemen, according to reports from the Houthi-controlled Al Masirah TV channel. The attack targeted a detention center for African migrants, resulting in dozens of casualties, with many killed and injured.
Eyewitnesses described the detention center engulfed in flames, as civil defense forces rushed to the scene, working to extinguish the fire and rescue those trapped inside. The Lebanese Al Mayadeen TV reported that hospitals in Saada are overwhelmed with victims, struggling to provide medical care amid the crisis.
Escalation of US Airstrikes in Yemen
The strike in Saada follows a series of US air raids across Yemen. Earlier, eight people were killed in airstrikes on the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, where three residential buildings were hit. Additional air raidst argeted Amran and al-Jawf governorates, further escalating tensions in the region.
Houthi Response and Regional Conflict
The Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement has vowed retaliation, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza as a key factor in its military operations. The Houthis previously announced plans to attack Israeli territory and block pro-Israeli ships from passing through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait until Israel halts its military campaign in Gaza.
While the Gaza ceasefire temporarily paused Houthi attacks in mid-January 2025, the collapse of the truce in early March led to a resumption of strikes on Israeli ships in the Red Sea. The Houthis have also renewed missile attacks on Israeli targets.
US Military Operations Against Houthis
On March 15, the United States, under orders from **President Donald Trump, initiated large-scale airstrikesagainst Houthi-controlled territoriesin Yemen. The US Central Command (CENTCOM)stated that the operation aims to protect American interestsand ensure freedom of navigation in the region.
In response, the Houthis launched missile and drone attacks on the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier in thenorthern Red Sea. While reports confirm the attempted strikes, there is no official information on whether the US warship sustained damage.
Humanitarian Concerns and International Reactions
The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have expressed grave concerns over the rising civilian casualties in Yemen. TheInternational Organization for Migration (IOM) has condemned the attack on the migrant detention center, calling for urgent international intervention** to prevent further loss of life.
With tensions escalating, the global community continues to monitor developments, as diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisisremain uncertain.
