Hodeidah — A surge in landmine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) incidents has claimed the lives of at least nine civilians in Hodeidah governorate between July and September 2025, underscoring the persistent threat posed by explosive remnants of war in western Yemen.

According to reports from the United Nations Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA), fatalities included two children and a woman, while three others sustained serious injuries in separate incidents across the districts of Al-Khawkhah, Al-Hawak, and Bayt Al-Faqih. Local monitoring groups and humanitarian organizations have corroborated these figures, warning that the actual toll may be higher due to underreporting and restricted access to affected areas.

The victims were reportedly engaged in routine activities—grazing livestock, collecting firewood, or traveling to markets—when they encountered hidden explosives left behind by years of conflict. These devices, often buried in civilian zones, continue to pose a lethal hazard long after active hostilities have subsided.

Human rights monitors estimate that Houthi forces have planted over two million landmines across Yemen since the outbreak of war, contributing to a nationwide toll of more than 6,400 civilian casualties from mines and ERW between 2017 and early 2025. Women and children account for a significant proportion of these victims, with hundreds suffering permanent disabilities including amputations and blindness.

UNMHA has reiterated calls for urgent demining operations and expanded humanitarian access to mitigate the risks and support survivors. However, progress remains slow amid ongoing security concerns and limited resources.

The third-quarter spike in Hodeidah casualties highlights the enduring legacy of war in Yemen and the urgent need for coordinated mine clearance efforts, victim assistance, and accountability for those responsible for deploying indiscriminate weapons.