The Unfamiliar Projectile that Cost Hussein His Eye and Hand
On August 29, 2023, 14-year-old Hussein Hafedh Abdullah Shouban went out as usual to graze his family’s sheep, their primary source of income. Hussein lived with his family in the Atwa area, located on the outskirts of Ain District in Shabwa Governorate. This region lies at the frontline of Yemen’s conflict, with UAE-backed forces (Shabwa Defense Forces and the Giants Brigade) to the east and the armed group Ansar Allah (the Houthis) to the west, near the border with Al-Bayda Governorate.
While roaming the pasture with the sheep, Hussein noticed a small, unfamiliar object gleaming under the sunlight. It looked like a harmless lighter. Despite his usual caution, he could never have imagined the danger such an innocuous-looking object posed.
That small object was, in fact, a projectile that exploded the moment Hussein tried to examine it out of curiosity! The blast sent sharp shrapnel flying, inflicting severe injuries on him. He found himself lying on the ground with his hand severed, immense pain in his eyes, and blood streaming from his body.
He was rushed to Harib Hospital in Marib Governorate for emergency treatment but was quickly refered to Aseelan Hospital due to the lack of adequate medical facilities. As his condition deteriorated, he was refered again to the General Hospital in Ataq City, the capital of Shabwa Governorate. Eventually, it was decided to send him to Aden for specialized care
In Aden, however, Hussein faced yet another setback: a delay in seeing the ophthalmologist. By the time he received medical attention, the damage was irreversible. Hussein had lost his right hand and suffered extensive injuries to his left eye. His right eye had to be removed entirely.
Today, Hussein is struggling to adjust to his new reality. He faces severe psychological distress from the trauma of his injuries and the profound loss of his sight and hand. His life has been forever changed by a conflict he had no role in, joining the countless innocent victims of landmines and explosive remnants left behind by warring parties across Yemen.
Mwatana for Human Rights urges Ansar Allah (Houthi) group to immediately halt the planting of landmines of all types and explosive remnants, to hand over maps of mine-contaminated areas, and to work towards clearing these areas to prevent further civilian casualties and to ensure the safety of residents returning to their original homes and environments. Mwatana also calls on the international community to take effective measures to pressure the group to cease its landmine-laying practices, expedite the clearing of contaminated areas, and establish an international investigative mechanism of a criminal nature to ensure accountability, prosecution of violators, and justice for the victims.
