Saada is a Houthi stronghold that has also been previously targeted in US strikes.

According to Yemen’s ministry of the interior, the detention centre was housing 115 African migrants.

US President Donald Trump has intensified military operations targeting Iran-backed Houthi forces, conducting the deadliest strike thus far earlier this month on a fuel terminal on the Red Sea that killed at least 74 people.

Washington has pledged to continue its attacks on the Houthis until they cease assaults on Red Sea shipping.

The Houthis, who have seized significant territory in Yemen over the past decade, have launched numerous drone and missile attacks on Red Sea vessels since Nov 2023, claiming they are targeting ships associated with Israel in support of Palestinians amid the conflict in Gaza.