Marib Human Rights Office Condemns the Killing of Three Children in a Landmine Explosion West of Sirwah District
The Human Rights Office in Marib Governorate condemned the crime that claimed the lives of three children as a result of a landmine explosion, one of the remnants of war, in Wadi Nou’ west of Sirwah District in Marib Governorate, at noon on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
In a statement, the office explained that the explosion resulted in the deaths of:Nasser Aayed Saleh Mabkhout Rabee’ (10 years old), Mohammed Dhaif Allah Ahmed Saeed Rabee’ (17 years old), Ali Mujib Ahmed Saleh Rabee’ (15 years old),
while they were playing near their home, in one of the most heinous crimes targeting children and unarmed civilians.
The Human Rights Office affirmed that this crime constitutes a serious and grave violation of all international laws and conventions, and falls within a series of systematic crimes committed against civilians—especially children—through the random and deliberate planting of landmines in residential areas, valleys, grazing routes, and farmlands, in blatant disregard for the lives of residents and the provisions of international humanitarian law.
The statement pointed out that the use of landmines in civilian areas constitutes a war crime and a clear breach of Common Article (3) of the Geneva Conventions, as well as a blatant violation of the principles of distinction and proportionality, which require the protection of civilians from the dangers of hostilities. It also represents a flagrant violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child of 1989, particularly Article (6) on the right to life and Article (38), which obliges parties to conflict to protect children from the effects of armed conflict.
The office added that these violations also constitute a breach of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention). Despite the Republic of Yemen’s accession to the convention, these practices continue in clear defiance of international will, as confirmed by multiple UN and international reports.
The Human Rights Office in Marib Governorate stressed that this crime is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a systematic policy that has turned landmines into a silent killing tool, making Yemen one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world. This has resulted in thousands of civilian victims, most of them children and women, in addition to permanent disabilities and profound psychological and social impacts.
The office called for the opening of an independent and transparent international investigation into the Wadi Nou’ crime and all landmine-related crimes in Yemen, and for holding those responsible accountable through international justice mechanisms. It urged the international community to compel the Houthi militia to disclose minefield maps, immediately cease planting landmines, strengthen support for mine clearance programs, care for victims, and provide medical, psychological, and legal support to the families of the victims.
The Human Rights Office in Marib Governorate held the Houthi group fully legally and morally responsible for this crime, renewing its call to the United Nations and the international community to assume their legal and humanitarian responsibilities in protecting civilians and to put an end to landmine crimes that continue to claim innocent lives indiscriminately.
The statement concluded by affirming that justice for the victims of these crimes is a right that does not lapse with time, and by praying for mercy upon the souls of the child victims.
