In the village of Al-Oqda, in the Bani Hassan area of Abs District, north of Hajjah Governorate, landmines have destroyed the life and livelihood of Hajj Mohammed Sahili and his family.
Three of his children became victims of mines planted near their home in a tragedy that reflects the ongoing threat faced by families across Yemen’s mine-affected regions.
“The first victim in my family was my son Abdu, who stepped on a mine near our house. His hand had to be amputated,” said Hajj Mohammed. “Later, my daughter Ilham was struck by another mine while riding a donkey on her way to the farm. The explosion cost her both of her legs. Then, I lost my son Omar, who was killed instantly by another mine near our home. We also lost livestock, camels, and two cars in other explosions.”
The Sahili family lives in constant fear. With mines scattered across their farmland and grazing areas, daily life has become a struggle for survival.
“We live surrounded by danger, always afraid for our children and our animals,” Mohammed explained. “We cannot cultivate our land or move freely. Every time a child leaves the house, we wait in fear until they return. Our area is unsafe. We urgently need Masam’s help to clear these mines that have taken our loved ones, our livelihood, and our peace of mind.”
The Bani Hassan area remains one of the most mine-affected parts of Hajjah Governorate, where contamination has killed and injured civilians and animals alike, cut off farmland, and destroyed vital sources of income.
Project Masam continues to work across Hajjah and other governorates to remove landmines and explosive remnants of war, helping families like the Sahilis return to their land safely and rebuild their lives.
