A representative from the International Organization for Migration told BuzzFeed News that the explosion began around 3:30 p.m. local time. An IOM security chief in was on the camp grounds when it happened.
The IOM estimates that 40 people have died from the attack, and more than 200 are injured. Of the injuries, 25 have been classified as severe.
Global medical organization Doctors Without Borders has treated 34 people suffering wounds from the airstrike.
“People in Al Mazraq camp have been living in very harsh conditions since 2009, and now they have suffered the consequences of an airstrike on the camp,” said Pablo Marco, Doctors Without Borders operational manager for Yemen, in a statement sent to BuzzFeed News.
Marco added, “We call all parties to spare civilians from violence, respect the neutrality of medical facilities and staff, and allow unhindered access to medical assistance for the wounded.”
Saudia Arabia began its raid in Yemen early Thursday morning, targeting two different cities,.
A humanitarian worker told Reuters that the bomb was intended for a military site located near the camp.
The operation is intended to protect the people of Yemen from a coup by the Huthis, an insurgent group that has wrought havoc throughout the country in opposition to President Abdu Rabu Mansur Hadi. Last Wednesday, the president fled his palace in Aden, and arrived in Saudia Arabia on Thursday.
