US Air Strike on Migrant Detention Centre in Yemen Under Investigation for War Crimes

A US air strike on a migrant detention centre in Sa'ada, north-western Yemen, on 28 April 2025 resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of African migrants. The strike has been deemed an indiscriminate attack, and US authorities are under pressure to promptly and transparently investigate it as a war crime. The investigation by Amnesty International has gathered compelling evidence that the US military failed to distinguish between civilian objects and military objectives, a clear breach of international humanitarian law.

Key Takeaways:

• The US air strike on the migrant detention centre in Sa'ada, Yemen, on 28 April 2025 killed and injured dozens of African migrants.
• Amnesty International's investigation found that the US military failed to abide by its obligation under international humanitarian law to distinguish between civilian objects and military objectives.
• The strike was carried out during "Operation Rough Rider," and witnesses reported catastrophic civilian harm on vulnerable migrants.
• Survivors identified 16 people by name and approximate age who were killed in the attack.
• Kristine Beckerle, Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, stated that the testimonies from survivors paint a clear picture of a civilian building, packed with detainees, being bombed without distinction.
• The US authorities have been requested to investigate the attack as a war crime and provide full reparation to the victims and their families.
• CENTCOM provided a brief response to Amnesty International's request, stating that they were still assessing the reports of civilian harm.

Statistics:

• Dozens of migrants were killed and injured in the US air strike on the migrant detention centre in Sa'ada, Yemen.
• 16 people were identified by name and approximate age who were killed in the attack.
• The US military carried out the strike during "Operation Rough Rider."
• Amnesty International requested information from CENTCOM and the Huthi de facto authorities on 27 August and 11 September 2025, respectively.
• CENTCOM provided a response on the same day the request was sent, stating that they were still assessing the reports of civilian harm.

Sources:

• Amnesty International - "It is a miracle we survived: US air strike on civilians held in Sa'ada detention centre"
• US Central Command (CENTCOM) - Response to Amnesty International's request for information
• Huthi Ministry of Justice and Human Rights - Response to Amnesty International's request for information