Al Hudaydah: Two Children Killed, Four Injured in Suspected Landmine Explosion

Local sources in Al Hudaydah governorate, western Yemen, reported on Tuesday, March 17, that a suspected landmine explosion killed two children and injured four others, some critically, while a family was shopping for Eid supplies.

According to the sources, the incident occurred after the family of citizen Abdo Ahmed Mushraei returned from purchasing Eid clothing in Al Jah area of Bayt Al Faqih district, which is under the control of the Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization.

The sources told Yemen Daily News that the explosion happened shortly after the family returned home, killing a girl and a boy aged approximately 7 and 11, and injuring four other family members, some of whom were reported to be in critical condition.

Yemen is considered one of the most heavily landmine-contaminated countries in the world, with mines having killed and injured thousands of civilians since the outbreak of the Houthi insurgency in 2004.

The Houthi group is accused of planting more than two million landmines across various Yemeni governorates where it has expanded in recent years.

According to a report issued by the Ministry of Human Rights of the internationally recognized government, landmines have caused 4,501 deaths and 5,083 injuries between 2014 and 2024.

Taiz governorate recorded the highest number of casualties, with 964 deaths and 1,321 injuries, followed by Al Hudaydah with 835 deaths and 586 injuries.

Al Jawf ranked third with 505 deaths and 813 injuries, followed by Al Bayda with 409 deaths and 330 injuries, and Marib with 400 deaths and 778 injured.