ADEN, Yemen, May 3 (Xinhua) -- A new batch of approximately 200 undocumented migrants has arrived on Yemen's southern coastline of Shabwa province within the past 24 hours, according to a local security official speaking on condition of anonymity.
The migrants landed specifically in the Radhum district, having been transported aboard a vessel reportedly operated by three Somali nationals. Authorities suspect these individuals were involved in organizing the unauthorized maritime transit.
The cohort consists predominantly of Ethiopian nationals -- 160 men and 40 women -- who have since been placed in temporary detention as local authorities initiate standard procedural assessments.
"This ongoing influx adds significant pressure to our limited resources and security apparatus," the security official said. "We are implementing urgent legal measures in coordination with relevant authorities to manage the situation."
Yemen's strategic location between the Horn of Africa and wealthy Gulf states has long made it a transit point for migrants seeking economic opportunities, despite the country's own protracted conflict and humanitarian crisis.
The perilous sea journey to Yemen typically involves overcrowded vessels lacking basic safety measures, with migrants often suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, and various illnesses upon arrival. Many face exploitation and abuse at the hands of smuggling networks.
Despite these challenges, the flow of migrants from the Horn of Africa to Yemen has remained relatively consistent over recent years, according to local humanitarian organizations.
The plight of migrants in Yemen has been further complicated by the ongoing conflict. Last month, U.S. military airstrikes targeting Houthi group sites struck a detention center in the northern province of Saada, resulting in 68 deaths and 47 injuries, according to the Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV.
The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, reported that all victims were illegal African immigrants being held at the detention center in Saada city, the provincial capital. ■
