Abdu Sahili is a 16-year-old from Al-Oqda village in the Bani Hassan area of Abs District, Hajjah Governorate. Before the conflict, he helped his family by grazing livestock and working on their farmland.
When Houthi forces withdrew from the area, they left behind landmines and explosive devices in farms, paths, and residential areas. The land became unsafe for the local population.
While tending his family’s sheep, Abdu saw an object on the ground. “I was grazing sheep when I found something in front of me,” he said. “I picked it up without knowing what it was. I kept walking with the sheep, turning it in my hand – I thought it was a toy. Then it exploded near our house. My left hand was amputated.”
The explosion also killed several livestock. Abdu’s niece and cousin were injured in similar incidents, and his nephew was killed by another mine. Many residents of the village have been affected in the same way.
People in northern Hajjah Governorate continue to face the danger of landmines. Farmers cannot safely return to their land, and families are afraid to move freely in their communities.
Project Masam continues to clear mines and unexploded ordnance from the affected districts, including Midi and the surrounding areas. Its goal is to make these areas safe again so that people can return to their homes, farms, and daily lives without fear.
