194 African migrants detained in Yemen for attempting illegal entry

ADEN, Yemen, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Yemeni security forces on Saturday detained 194 migrants from the Horn of Africa who were attempting to enter the country illegally via the coast of southeastern Shabwa province, the Yemeni Interior Ministry said.

Local police intercepted the migrants when they approached Yemen's shores aboard a vessel in the Radhum district of Shabwa province, the ministry said in a press statement, adding that the among the detained are 121 Ethiopians -- 70 women, 46 men, and five children -- as well as 73 Somalis, predominantly men.

Yemen's security authorities have initiated legal proceedings against the individuals for illegal entry into the country, the ministry said.

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 previous UN reports, 60,897 African migrants entered Yemen last year after undertaking hazardous sea journeys. ■