Why is this work so important in Yemen?
Yemen has been affected by armed conflict since 2015. During the fighting, many explosive weapons were used, including landmines, rockets, cluster munitions, and improvised explosive devices.
The fighting slows down but these weapons remain in the environment. They can be buried in fields, on roads, or near homes. Civilians—including children—are often the first victims.
More than four million people have been displaced since 2015, and many families are now returning home and encountering these hidden dangers. Our work helps prevent injuries and deaths and allows communities to rebuild their lives.
What do HI teams do in the field?
Our task is to dispose of explosive ordnance: Our emergency response teams intervene when explosive items are reported by local authorities. For example, we may be called after an airstrike, shelling, or drone attack to check an area and remove unexploded ordnance. Sometimes communities discover mines or other devices in fields or near houses. They call us and we respond immediately. Our teams come to the site to identify and safely dispose of explosive items. We also secure dangerous areas by installing warning signs.
We also conduct inquiries and assessments of land: we collect and compile all the data on explosive incidents. This information helps us identify the most dangerous areas and prioritize future clearance work.
Where do you operate in Yemen?
We currently focus much of our emergency response work in Hodeida, a coastal region where many communities live close to contaminated areas. These locations include villages, farmland, and key infrastructure such as roads, schools, and water systems. Clearing these areas is essential because they are vital for everyday life and humanitarian aid.
What kind of challenges do your teams face?
The biggest challenge is the scale of contamination. Mines and unexploded weapons can be scattered over large areas, and new items may appear after floods or storms.
For example, flash floods during the rainy season can move mines from their original locations, and they may end up on roads, riverbanks, or near villages that were previously considered safe. Another challenge is ensuring that communities know how to recognize and report explosive hazards. That’s why we combine clearance work with awareness sessions, teaching people how to identify dangerous objects and what to do if they find one.
How do you work with local communities?
Communities play a crucial role in our work. People often report explosive items they encounter while farming, fetching water, or traveling. We also work closely with Yemen’s national mine action authorities and other humanitarian organizations to coordinate responses. This collaboration helps ensure that explosive threats are addressed quickly and that victims receive support if accidents occur.
What impact have you seen from this work?
When explosive hazards are removed, the difference for communities is immediate. People feel safer walking on roads again, farmers can return to their fields, and humanitarian organizations can reach villages with food, water, and medical care. In many places, clearing even a single dangerous object can protect an entire community.
Our goal is simple: to help people live in a safe environment where they can rebuild their lives without the constant threat of explosive weapons.
