Saudi Border Guards Reportedly Kill Ethiopian Immigrants Seeking Refuge in Massacre
Saudi Arabian border guards have been accused of killing hundreds of Ethiopian immigrants who were seeking refuge in the kingdom, according to a recent report by Human Rights Watch. The killings took place between March 2022 and June 2023, with incidents involving shooting people, including women and children, from close range. The Ethiopian immigrants were fleeing conflict in their country, attempting to make the dangerous journey through Yemen to reach oil-rich Saudi Arabia.
The journey through Yemen is treacherous, as it is a country in the midst of a civil war. Smugglers take advantage of the desperation of these immigrants, committing atrocities along the way. Reports from immigrants reveal the extreme violence they face, including limbs being severed by gunfire and seeing bodies left on the trails. Attempts to cross the border into Saudi Arabia are met with gunfire, posing further risks to their lives.
Human Rights Watch has previously accused Saudi Arabia of killing Ethiopian immigrants, but the new report highlights a deliberate escalation in both the number and manner of targeted killings. Explosive weapons have been used against these vulnerable individuals, further exacerbating the violence.
Saudi Arabia, a crucial United States partner, has faced scrutiny for its alleged human rights abuses. From the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi to the recent killings of Ethiopian immigrants, these incidents reflect poorly on the kingdom and have prompted calls for the US to denounce Saudi leaders and sever ties with the country. However, the US has maintained a working relationship with Saudi Arabia despite these concerns, raising questions about its foreign policy decisions.
The conflict in Ethiopia involves various entities, including ethno-regional militias, the federal government, and the Eritrean military. Since November 2020, the conflict has primarily focused on the northernmost region. Over 200,000 people each year attempt to make the perilous journey across the sea from the Horn of Africa to Yemen and eventually Saudi Arabia, as they seek better opportunities in the oil-rich nation.
The plight of Ethiopian immigrants highlights the urgent need for intervention and protection of human rights. As the international community learns about the atrocities they face, pressure mounts on Saudi Arabia to address these issues and ensure the safety and well-being of all those seeking refuge within its borders.
