US airstrike on Yemen migrant facility leaves dozens dead, sparking demands for accountability while the Biden administration’s role in the deadly attack comes under scrutiny.
At a Glance
- Amnesty International demands investigation after US airstrike hit a migrant detention center in Saada, Yemen on April 28
- Attack killed 68 migrants, primarily from African countries, raising serious concerns about violations of international humanitarian law
- US officials acknowledge an ongoing “battle-damage assessment and inquiry” into civilian casualty claims
- Strike was part of broader US military campaign against Houthi forces that began in mid-March
- Amnesty International Secretary General questions whether US complied with obligations to distinguish between civilian and military targets
Deadly Airstrike Raises Serious Legal Questions
Amnesty International has issued an urgent call for investigation following a deadly US airstrike that struck a migrant detention center in Saada, Yemen on April 28. The attack resulted in the deaths of 68 migrants, primarily from African nations, and injured many more. This tragic incident is part of a troubling pattern of US airstrikes in Yemen since March that have reportedly caused hundreds of casualties according to human rights organizations monitoring the conflict.
The target’s nature—a recognized migrant detention facility—has raised alarms about potential breaches of international law. Eyewitness accounts describe horrific scenes at local hospitals and morgues following the strike. The attack occurred during broader US military operations against Houthi forces, which concluded with a ceasefire agreement earlier this month after escalating tensions in the region.
“The US attacked a well-known detention facility where the Houthis have been detaining migrants who had no means to take shelter. The major loss of civilian life in this attack raises serious concerns about whether the US complied with its obligations under international humanitarian law, including the rules on distinction and precautions”, said Agnès Callamard, AI’s secretary general.
Evidence Gathering and Military Response
Amnesty International has gathered extensive evidence regarding the attack, including testimonies from individuals working with African migrant and refugee communities in Yemen. These sources confirmed significant casualties after visiting local hospitals and morgues. The organization also analyzed satellite imagery and video footage showing the devastating aftermath, including bodies being recovered and rescuers desperately trying to aid survivors.
A US defense official acknowledged an ongoing “battle-damage assessment and inquiry” into civilian casualty claims, but provided few details about the investigation’s scope or timeline. Amnesty International reported that Ethiopian migrants suffered severe injuries, and hospitals treating victims faced overcrowded morgues due to the high death toll. The situation has been complicated by Houthi restrictions on independent investigations in the area.
Congress must insist on a full investigation of US air strikes that killed dozens of civilians in Yemen https://t.co/jzNOMfyUMd
— Daphne Eviatar (@deviatar) May 19, 2025
Regional Context and International Law Implications
The airstrike occurred amid rising tensions in the region, with Houthi forces targeting Israel and Israeli-linked shipping since November 2023. The US military campaign against the Houthis began in mid-March in response to these activities, with the Pentagon claiming several Houthi-controlled military targets were neutralized. Recent reports indicate Houthi forces have shot down seven U.S. Reaper drones, further escalating the conflict.
“The US must conduct a prompt, independent and transparent investigation into this air strike.”, added Callamard.
Amnesty International emphasized that attacks failing to distinguish between civilians and military targets constitute clear violations of international humanitarian law. The organization noted it could not identify any legitimate military target at the strike site, though access limitations have hampered independent verification. The migrant detention facility was well-known in the area, raising questions about target selection and verification protocols employed by US forces prior to the deadly strike.
https://twitter.com/FelastoryMedia/status/1916859200447094938
Humanitarian Impact and Calls for Accountability
The human toll of the attack has been devastating for migrant communities already vulnerable in Yemen’s conflict zone. Most victims were from African countries, with Ethiopian nationals comprising a significant portion of the casualties. Hospital facilities in the area were overwhelmed by the influx of injured migrants requiring urgent medical attention, according to Amnesty International’s documentation of the aftermath.
As international pressure mounts for accountability, Amnesty International continues to advocate for a thorough, independent investigation into the incident. The organization has stressed that all parties to armed conflicts must take all feasible precautions to minimize harm to civilians, including canceling attacks when civilian casualties would be disproportionate to military advantage gained. The US government’s response to these serious allegations will likely face significant scrutiny in coming weeks.
