Amnesty International has called for the US military strike on a migrant detention facility in Yemen to be investigated as a war crime. The attack, which occurred last year, killed at least 68 people and injured dozens more, according to the human rights organization.
In a report released Monday, Amnesty detailed how the US-led coalition bombed a compound in the city of Saada that was being used as a detention center for migrants, mostly from Ethiopia and other African nations. The organization said the strike appeared to be a direct attack on a civilian structure, which could constitute a war crime under international law.
"The US must immediately launch a transparent and independent investigation into this attack, which killed scores of civilians who were simply trying to find safety," said Joan Tafalla, Amnesty International's crisis response director. "If the investigation reveals that the attack was unlawful, those responsible must be brought to justice."
The US military has not commented on the allegations, but has previously stated that it takes all precautions to avoid civilian casualties. The strike was part of a broader campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition backed by the US since 2014.