A recent airstrike conducted by the United States military in Yemen has prompted calls for accountability from human rights organizations. The strike, part of “Operation Rough Rider,” resulted in numerous civilian casualties, raising serious concerns about its legality under international law. According to an investigation by Amnesty International, there was “no evidence” that the targeted migrant detention center served as a military objective.
The airstrike on April 28, 2023, occurred during a 45-day conflict involving US forces and Houthi soldiers. This period saw US military strikes in Yemen and retaliatory missile attacks by Houthi forces on US warships in the Red Sea. Survivors of the airstrike described the migrant detention center as an “open space,” where the presence of occupants was clearly visible.
Donald Trump, who was President at the time, noted that Houthi attacks negatively affected global trade and economic security for the United States. He reported a significant decline in merchant ship traffic in the Red Sea, which dropped from approximately 25,000 to 10,000 annually. In July, Human Rights Watch classified these Houthi attacks on commercial vessels as war crimes, highlighting the threats posed to crew members and the broader implications for global commerce.
Amnesty International has criticized the US airstrikes, asserting they violated international law by failing to adequately assess whether the targeted sites constituted legitimate military objectives. The organization continues to advocate for accountability and thorough investigations into the civilian impact of military operations.
The situation in Yemen remains critical, with ongoing conflicts exacerbating humanitarian crises. As international scrutiny intensifies, the need for transparency and adherence to human rights standards becomes increasingly urgent.
