Houthi Drone Strike Targets Humanitarian Mine-Clearance Teams in Yemen's Taiz

A Houthi drone attack struck mine-clearing equipment operated by the UK-based HALO Trust organization on Sunday, disrupting critical humanitarian operations in the Jawlat al-Qasr area east of Taiz, southwestern Yemen. 

The explosion, which occurred as the team worked to clear explosives at the city’s eastern entrance, triggered panic among civilians and travelers using the key transport route, further jeopardizing civilian safety.

Local sources confirmed the attack targeted demining machinery, halting progress in one of Yemen’s most heavily mined regions. The Iran-aligned Houthi group has repeatedly attacked humanitarian organizations in the area, drawing condemnation from international observers who accuse the militia of exacerbating civilian suffering and obstructing efforts to restore safe mobility.

Since the conflict escalated in 2015, Houthi forces have laid tens of thousands of landmines across Taiz province, indiscriminately killing or maiming thousands of civilians. Women and children, who frequently traverse contaminated areas for water and supplies, account for the majority of victims. 

Despite ongoing clearance initiatives, the persistent targeting of demining teams has left vast regions unsafe, prolonging the humanitarian crisis in war-torn Yemen.

The HALO Trust, a leading nonprofit in mine removal, has yet to issue a public statement following the attack.