At the age of 70, Hussein Hadi Zain was returning to his home in the Bani Al-Zein area of Hiran District, north of Hajjah Governorate. He was riding his donkey on the same road he had used for many years after working in his fields, harvesting fruit, and gathering fodder for his livestock.
On 20 August 2019, a landmine exploded beneath him as he passed along the path. The blast caused severe injuries and resulted in the amputation of both of his legs.
“I was hit by a mine while riding my donkey shortly before sunset,” Hussein said. “I still remember how the explosion erupted under my feet – my legs were amputated instantly. The pain was unbearable, and the wounds were devastating.”
Since the incident, Hussein has been living with a permanent disability. He is no longer able to farm, graze livestock, or collect fodder as he once did. His family faces ongoing psychological and financial hardship as a result of the accident.
The area where Hussein lives remains contaminated with landmines and explosive remnants of war, posing a continuous threat to civilians. Project Masam continues to work to clear these areas, aiming to reduce the danger to residents and help restore safety and stability to communities across Hajjah Governorate.
