In Yemen’s Marib province, a landmine warning sign serves as a stark reminder that every step could be fatal for camel herders navigating the war-torn landscape.
After years of displacement and restrictions due to conflict, Bedouins are eager to reclaim their nomadic way of life. But grazing safely has become a deadly gamble.
“Grazing was easier further south, but those areas are filled with landmines. Whenever a camel wanders in that direction, it triggers an explosion,” said Ogaim Suhail, a herder who, like many others, has been forced to move north to avoid minefields and combat zones.
Yemen has been embroiled in war since 2015, with Iran-aligned Houthi forces fighting a Saudi-led coalition. While major frontline shifts have stalled, particularly after the Israel-Gaza war in 2023, the United Nations warns of the potential for renewed violence.
Despite the relative calm, landmines remain an ongoing hazard, killing and maiming civilians long after battles have subsided. A 2024 Human Rights Watch report highlighted the continuing threat posed by mines laid by warring parties.
“Landmines are our biggest problem near the Houthis’ areas,” said Saleh al-Qadry, another camel herder.
Local rights group Mwatana recorded 537 landmine-related incidents from January 2016 to March 2024. While Houthi officials deny responsibility for mining Marib province, blaming mercenaries instead, herders remain trapped in fear.
The United Nations Development Programme estimates that millions of Yemenis are at risk due to unexploded ordnance. In Marib, one of the worst-affected areas, herders say they must keep their camels tethered to prevent them from straying into danger.
“If we let them roam freely, they might step on a landmine and be blown apart,” said Saeed Onaig, another herder struggling to keep his livelihood intact.