UNHCR: 45 Migrants capped with boat off Yemen's Coast
Migrants from East Africa attempt to reach Yemen by sea. Many people lose their lives in the process. According to the UN Refugee Agency, another boat has capsized.
Off the coast of the war-torn country Yemen, as per UN estimates, a boat carrying 45 migrants and refugees capsized. "Only four survivors have been found," the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Yemen announced. The boat reportedly capsized near Tais in the southwest of the country during Thursday night. The cause was reportedly strong winds and overloading. The United Nations are working with partners to support the survivors, according to a post on X. Further details were not available.
Migrants from the East African countries of Ethiopia and Somalia make the dangerous journey in the hope of a better life across the Red Sea between the coast of Djibouti and Yemen. Yemen is usually not their ultimate goal: many plan to force their way through to Saudi Arabia or other Gulf States to find work there.
However, they often get stuck in Yemen under poor and dangerous conditions. Many people lose their lives during the journey. Yemen has been embroiled in a devastating conflict between the government, the Huthi rebels and their allies since the end of 2014.
Since the outbreak of the Gaza War, the situation has worsened. The Huthi have attacked cargo ships in the Red Sea in an attempt to end Israeli attacks on Gaza. The USA and Great Britain have responded with multiple military raids against Huthi positions.
Most recently, the Huthi have directly targeted Israel. Israel retaliated with an attack involving several fighter jets, targeting the launching of a drone from Yemen in the center of Tel Aviv.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) expressed concern over the Refugee policy towards Yemen, as another boat carrying refugees from East African countries capsized off its coast, leading to numerous casualties. Amidst the ongoing politics in Yemen, the Huthi rebels have been accused of attacking cargo ships in the Red Sea, potentially contributing to the dangerous journey of refugees.
