U.S. Intensifies Airstrikes in Yemen Amid Accusations of Prison Attack, Sparking Renewed Scrutiny and Humanitarian Concerns

The ongoing conflict in Yemen has seen a significant escalation as the U.S. military has reportedly intensified its airstrike campaign against Houthi rebels. Since mid-March, the military has claimed responsibility for targeting over 800 locations within Yemen, resulting in the deaths of hundreds. This development marks a continuation of the U.S.’s strategic military operations in the region, aimed at countering the influence of the Iran-backed Houthi forces.

On Monday, the situation took a dramatic turn when Yemen’s Houthi rebels accused the U.S. of conducting an airstrike on a prison in the Saada governorate, a known Houthi stronghold. The alleged attack reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 68 African migrants and injured 47 others. The U.S. military has yet to comment on these allegations, which have sparked renewed scrutiny from activists regarding the American military campaign, known as “Operation Rough Rider.”

The U.S. Central Command had earlier issued a statement defending its policy of not providing specific details about its airstrike operations. This statement was released before the news of the alleged prison strike emerged. The U.S. military has been conducting near-daily airstrikes against the Houthis since March 15, with the stated goal of neutralizing threats to maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The timing of these military actions coincides with ongoing negotiations between the Trump administration and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program. The alleged airstrike and its reported casualties are likely to intensify discussions about the U.S.’s military strategy in Yemen and its broader implications for regional stability and humanitarian concerns.