10 Oct 2025
From isolation and abuse to building her family home: Darlei…
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Ammar’s Story: Surviving the landmine
Yemen remains one of the most heavily contaminated countries in the world with landmines and explosive remnants of war. Civilians pay the highest price, and children are among the most frequent victims. In the first half of 2025 alone, Save the Children reported that more than 107 civilians were killed or injured by these hidden explosives. The toll in 2024 was even higher with 260 casualties recorded, over one-third of them children, according to the Civilian Impact Monitoring Project. For those affected, a single blast has shattered their dreams and stolen their futures in an instant.
DRC staff with Ammar in the hospital in Hodeidah.
A Young Life Interrupted
Ammar*, an 18-year-old from Al-Tuhaita District in Hodeidah Governorate, once lived with his parents and seven siblings on a thriving farm with 500 date palms. When the conflict escalated, the family was forced to flee to Al-Jarrahi, where their lives were turned upside down by poverty and insecurity. To survive, Ammar and his father worked as daily laborers on other people’s farms to provide food for the whole family.
In August, Ammar and his father set out one morning on a motorbike driven by a neighbour, traveling along a road where children often played. Without warning, a deafening explosion tore through the air. “I felt myself thrown into the sky before crashing to the ground on my chest,” recalls Ammar. “I tried again and again to stand up and find my father, but I couldn’t. Then I looked down at my feet and saw they were torn apart, the bone exposed. At that moment, I was terrified I was going to die.”
Ammar’s father also suffered severe injuries, fracturing his left leg, while the motorbike driver miraculously escaped unharmed.
“I tried again and again to stand up and find my father, but I couldn’t. Then I looked down at my feet and saw they were torn apart, the bone exposed. At that moment, I was terrified I was going to die.”
/ Ammar, landmine victim
Life-Saving Support
At first, bystanders were too afraid to help, fearing that another landmine might be hidden nearby. Eventually, Ammar’s uncles arrived and rushed them to the nearest health center, which had no capacity to treat such severe injuries. They were transferred to a facility in Al-Tuhaita for first aid before finally being referred to a hospital in Hodeidah city.
With support from the European Union (EU), the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) covered the cost of surgeries and treatments. Ammar’s father received care for his fractures and was discharged once his condition stabilized. Ammar, however, remained in the hospital for three weeks undergoing life-saving treatment. “One of the hardest moments,” he says, “was seeing my foot cut open to the bone. They even found pieces of the landmine inside my wounds. But I am grateful, it was better than losing my leg entirely.”
Struggles Ahead, Hope Sustained
The road ahead remains difficult for Ammar’s family. Both he and his father were the main breadwinners, and their injuries have left the household struggling even more to meet basic needs. Thanks to the EU, the medical care and financial support provided by DRC, however, gave them a lifeline. “If it weren’t for the organization, we couldn’t have afforded even a single injection,” Ammar explains. “They supported us with money and covered all my treatments. Their help is priceless. I only wish these humanitarian services continue for everyone in need.”
Ammar’s story is only one among thousands in Yemen, where landmines and explosive remnants of war continue to steal lives and futures. DRC remains committed to standing with affected communities. According to the United Nations, more than five million people—including 2.8 million children—continue to live under this deadly threat. We will continue working to bring hope where there is despair.
* The beneficiary’s name has been changed for confidentiality.