ADEN, Yemen, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Yemeni security forces on Monday detained 132 migrants from the Horn of Africa who were attempting to enter the country illegally via the coast of southwestern Lahj province, a local government official told Xinhua.
During an operation aimed at combating illegal immigration and human trafficking, the security forces, after "monitoring and surveillance," intercepted the migrants when they approached Yemen's shores aboard two boats in the Ras al-Ara area of Lahj, the official said on condition of anonymity.
"All the migrants along with the intercepted boats have been impounded pending further investigations," the official said.
According to the official, Ras al-Ara has become an increasingly critical focal point for migrant smuggling operations in Yemen, primarily due to its strategic geographical proximity to the Horn of Africa.
The maritime route from the Horn of Africa to Yemen is extremely risky, with migrants often traveling in overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels operated by smugglers. Migrants taking this route typically aim to reach Gulf countries in search of employment opportunities.
According to UN reports, 60,897 African migrants entered Yemen in 2024 after undertaking hazardous sea journeys. ■
