Yemen's Hidden War: Migrants Caught in Crossfire

The ongoing conflict in Yemen took a grim turn when Houthi rebels accused the US of striking a prison. This prison held African migrants, primarily from Ethiopia. The alleged airstrike reportedly killed 68 people and injured 47 others. The US military has yet to confirm or deny these claims. This incident highlights the plight of migrants who risk their lives to reach Saudi Arabia for work. They often find themselves in the middle of a brutal war. The US military's actions in Yemen are part of a broader campaign known as "Operation Rough Rider. " This operation targets Houthi rebels while the US negotiates with Iran over its nuclear program. The US military has been criticized for its lack of transparency regarding these airstrikes. Critics argue that the US should provide more details about its operations to avoid civilian casualties. The US Central Command defended its policy, stating that it intentionally limits details to preserve operational security. The Houthi-run Interior Ministry reported that around 115 migrants were detained at the site of the alleged strike. Graphic footage from the scene showed the aftermath of the explosion, with debris and injured people. A woman's voice in the footage can be heard reciting a prayer, adding to the somber atmosphere. This incident is not the first time migrants have been caught in the crossfire. In 2022, a similar strike by a Saudi-led coalition on the same compound resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. African migrants have long been a target in this conflict. They face detention, abuse, and even death in both Yemen and Saudi Arabia. A UN report from October 2022 highlighted concerning allegations of cross-border shelling and small arms fire by Saudi security forces, resulting in hundreds of migrant deaths. Saudi Arabia has denied these allegations. The Houthis, meanwhile, are accused of profiting from smuggling migrants across the border, earning tens of thousands of dollars weekly. The US has conducted over 800 airstrikes in Yemen as part of its campaign. These strikes are aimed at disrupting Houthi operations and their support from Iran. The US justifies these actions by citing the Houthis' attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and their ties to Iran. The US military claims that these strikes have killed hundreds of Houthi fighters and leaders. However, the humanitarian cost of this campaign is significant, with civilians often paying the price. The Houthis have also been cracking down on information flow from their territory. They recently ordered the surrender of Starlink satellite internet receivers, threatening to arrest anyone found with these devices. This move is part of a broader effort to control the narrative surrounding the conflict. Starlink terminals have been crucial in other conflicts, such as Ukraine's fight against Russia, and have been smuggled into Iran amid unrest there.