Hodeidah: Houthi militia imposes fees for landmine removal efforts.
Houthi Militia Imposes Heavy Fees for Landmine Removal in Al-Hudaydah
Local sources report that the Houthi militia has imposed exorbitant fees on residents of the Al-Jah area in the Beit al-Faqih district of Al-Hudaydah province. This charge comes in exchange for the removal of landmines that the militia planted during years of conflict. Many view this action as a direct form of extortion, as residents live under the constant threat of these explosives.
The Landmine Crisis and Its Impact on Residents
Villages in Al-Jah face a severe landmine crisis, with hundreds of explosives scattered throughout farms and near residential areas. This situation places the lives of local families in continuous jeopardy. The militia demands payments ranging from 400,000 to 500,000 Yemeni riyals for the removal of landmines from their properties. Such amounts exceed the financial capabilities of most rural families, exacerbating their suffering.
Tragic Incident Highlights Ongoing Danger
These developments follow a tragic incident involving the family of citizen Mohammed Dawood Al-Muhajir. A landmine exploded near the Al-Jah market while they were riding a motorcycle. The explosion resulted in the amputation of the wife’s legs and the loss of her unborn child, while their child also suffered a leg amputation. The father sustained severe injuries.
Alarming Statistics on Landmines in Al-Hudaydah
According to the United Nations Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA), the province recorded over 24 incidents related to landmines and unexploded ordnance in 2025. These incidents resulted in 24 fatalities and 13 injuries, with women and children accounting for 38% of the casualties. These statistics underscore the ongoing humanitarian threat posed by landmines in Al-Hudaydah.
Urgent Need for Civilian Protection and Support
The Houthi militia continues to exploit the suffering of residents by imposing fees for the removal of explosives they themselves planted. Such violations highlight the urgent need for civilian protection and the provision of necessary support to address these humanitarian crises.
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