Sanaa: Seven Ethiopian migrants tragically died of hunger and thirst after their boat broke down while en route from Somalia to Yemen, as reported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Wednesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the UN agency issued a statement indicating that its teams in Yemen have provided 'lifesaving assistance to survivors of a harrowing seven-day voyage from Bossaso, Somalia.' The boat, carrying 250 Ethiopian migrants, including 82 children, arrived in the Arqah area of southern Yemen on Tuesday.

The IOM reported that 'seven of the migrants died of hunger and thirst en route.' Abdusattor Esoev, IOM's chief of mission in Yemen, emphasized the severe conditions faced by the migrants: 'These people have been through a week of hell on the high seas. They have been exploited, terrified, and traumatized.'

Esoev further warned that 'tragedies would continue as vulnerable migrants take ever-more dangerous journeys on the Eastern Route.' Since the beginning of 2025, the IOM has recorded more than 350 migrant deaths and disappearances along this route, though the actual number is believed to be significantly higher.

Yemen remains a common destination for hundreds of illegal migrants from the Horn of Africa, particularly Somalia and Ethiopia. These individuals embark on perilous journeys in hopes of reaching Gulf countries to seek better living conditions.