Landmine victims in Yemen: A continuous humanitarian tragedy threatening the lives of millions.

Victims of landmines across various regions of Yemen face a worsening reality as time progresses. The landmines, indiscriminately planted by Houthi militias in farms, roads, and public spaces, continue to threaten the lives of millions of citizens. These mines pose a constant danger to anyone who steps into these areas, disregarding human life and environmental safety.

The casualties resulting from these landmines have become tragic symbols of pain and sorrow. The mines do not discriminate between young and old, or between men and women. The threat remains ever-present, as these buried explosives continue to endanger the lives of Yemenis. Despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the international community and organizations largely overlook this issue. According to the Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms, over 2,300 civilians have died, and more than 4,100 others have been injured, including many women and children, from January 2017 to the end of January 2025. These figures represent not just statistics but real stories filled with suffering that Yemenis endure daily. Moreover, Houthi landmines not only threaten lives but also hinder development in affected areas, complicating the daily lives of citizens already grappling with poverty and destruction.

Special Hearing Session

In an effort to document human rights violations caused by the anti-personnel mines planted by Houthi militias, the National Commission for Investigation held a special hearing on Saturday. This session aimed to present firsthand testimonies from landmine victims, along with insights from experts and specialists.

During the opening of the session, Judge Ishraq Al-Maqtari, a member of the commission, emphasized the committee’s commitment to diversifying its investigation and documentation methods. This includes conducting direct interviews with victims, listening to their experiences, and recording their rights-related demands, considering the physical, psychological, and economic damages they have suffered and how these affect their enjoyment of basic rights.

Destroying the Future

Judge Ishraq Al-Maqtari stated that addressing the issue of landmine victims should not only occur during international events or through monitoring and documentation efforts by researchers.

She added, “Since the beginning of this year, we have visited several areas, including Al-Abyad, Al-Athawir, and Al-Ahkum in the Hifan district of Taiz Governorate. Our focus has been on landmine victims, and we were shocked by the large number of amputees.”

She continued, “Just three days ago, in Al-Ahkum, we found an entire village called Al-Akboush surrounded by a minefield, forcing residents to flee because they could not stay in such a dangerous area.”

Al-Maqtari noted, “All the farms in the village are surrounded by individual landmines, highlighting the unlawful nature of this crime.”

Mines in Bedrooms

She reported, “Mines have been planted even in areas far from military fronts. Recently, two sisters who had displaced their family to other areas wanted to return home. When the woman and her sister entered their house, a mine exploded, resulting in an amputation.”

Al-Maqtari expressed hope that this specific violation would be recognized as a significant war crime due to its scale and impact. She mentioned that while legal files are prepared and some have been sent to the judiciary, the legitimate government has not capitalized on these documented crimes.

Monitoring and Documentation

The report prepared by the Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms results from five years of monitoring and documentation from January 2017 to the end of January 2025.

Mohammed Al-Omdah, head of the Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms, stated, “We rely on a monitoring team present in all Yemeni governorates, with over 85 individuals, including rights activists, lawyers, and collaborators.”

He added, “During this period, the network received over 25,000 reports regarding landmines planted by Houthi militias in various Yemeni governorates. We have worked diligently to verify each report and extract accurate information.”

Alarming Statistics

The documented figures from the Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms regarding landmine victims in Yemen present a shocking humanitarian crisis that reflects the severity of this unforgivable crime. The death toll has surpassed 2,300 civilians, while more than 4,100 others have sustained injuries, including a significant number of women and children. Legally, these actions represent a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, which prohibits planting mines in residential areas and public roads, categorizing them as terrorist crimes against humanity.

One Million Mines

Earlier, the United Nations Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) confirmed that landmines and unexploded ordnance planted by Houthi militias continue to pose a serious threat to the lives of residents in Hodeidah Governorate. The mission reported that 93 civilians were killed or injured in 2024 alone due to these mines.

This statement coincided with the International Day for Mine Awareness, where the mission called for intensified efforts to remove landmines, emphasizing that every mine cleared represents a step toward a brighter and safer future.

The mission highlighted that Hodeidah is one of the most contaminated areas with mines, with human rights reports confirming that Houthi militias are solely responsible for planting over two million mines in Yemen, making the country one of the most affected globally, according to UN reports.

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