Houthi Mines Devastate Yemeni Family's Return, Claiming Child and Livelihood

Landmines planted by Houthi militia in the Hairan district of Hajjah province have resulted in the death of a child, severe psychological trauma for her sister, and the loss of dozens of livestock, exacerbating the suffering of a Yemeni family whose sole source of income is animal husbandry.

Mohammed Sagheer Zain, 56, recounted the tragic incident that befell his family upon their return to their village in Hairan after being displaced. A landmine detonated as his two daughters were heading to the valley to graze their sheep, resulting in the death of one and leaving the other, aged 14, in a state of psychological shock.

Zain explained that he had returned to his village and farms with hopes of resuming his agricultural activities and recovering losses incurred during the war years. However, the widespread presence of mines in the area dashed these aspirations, transforming his homecoming into a humanitarian tragedy. His family's losses were not confined to the death of his daughter; eighteen sheep and six cows perished due to scattered mine explosions, inflicting significant damage to his livelihood. This has compelled him to continue herding livestock despite the perilous risks to himself and his children.

Zain highlighted that numerous citizens in the region have suffered similar losses, and he ventures out daily to work under the constant fear that his children might meet a fate similar to that of his daughters. According to his account, mines are scattered across vast tracts of agricultural and vital lands, extending from the outskirts of Midi's coast to the areas of Hairan, Bani Hassan, and Mustaba. Media reports last month indicated the planting of new minefields in the Abs district, raising concerns about further civilian casualties and worsening the plight of the residents.

Landmines pose a persistent threat to the lives of civilians and their sources of sustenance in war-affected regions. They also impede the return of displaced persons to their villages and the resumption of agricultural and pastoral activities, amidst the dangers of explosions that affect people, property, and livestock.