Video Shows Child's Heartbreaking Testimony After Houthi Attacks Leave Him as Sole Survivor

A heartbreaking video released by the National Commission to Investigate Allegations of Human Rights Violations in Yemen features a child recounting his tragic story after losing 13 family members, including his parents, to landmines and snipers from the internationally designated terrorist group, the Houthis. This child is now the only male survivor of his family.

The footage, shared by Judge Ishraq al-Maqatari on the "X" platform and seen by Barran Press", a spokesperson for the commission, documents a poignant interview where the boy details the harrowing events that unfolded in Taiz. He describes witnessing the gruesome aftermath of landmine explosions, stating that he saw bodies being collected in bags before his eyes.

According to the child, the situation in Taiz is dire, claiming it is worse than Gaza, as civilians are dying while attempting to move from one place to another. He reported that 13 of his relatives were killed by Houthi landmines and sniper fire, and three of his sisters sustained amputations from landmine injuries. His grandmother is now partially paralyzed after being shot by a Houthi sniper.

The child's account vividly illustrates the horror of the landmine explosion that left his grandmother dismembered, with her remains collected from various locations. He emphasized that he is left alone with only his uncle after the devastating loss of his immediate family due to the Houthi attacks.

Earlier, Judge al-Maqatari revealed that the number of landmine victims in Taiz has surpassed 1,700, including both dead and injured, with most victims being women and children. She noted that the majority of landmines in Taiz have been planted in sensitive areas that directly impact civilians, particularly in 16 districts.

Al-Maqatari pointed out that these mines are often located near water wells, qat farms, firewood gathering spots, and secondary roads frequented by women and children, resulting in hundreds of casualties, including men, women, and numerous children. Many survivors have also faced amputations or loss of sight.

In her remarks, al-Maqatari discussed the ongoing efforts for mine clearance and awareness campaigns about their dangers. She highlighted the initiatives undertaken by specialized organizations, such as the Masam Project and Mines Advisory Group, to remove these deadly devices.

She also acknowledged the contributions of hospitals, humanitarian organizations, and government prosthetic centers in addressing the needs of landmine victims, emphasizing the significant role of these facilities in providing prosthetics and psychological rehabilitation.

Al-Maqatari called on governmental and judicial bodies to fulfill their duty to hold accountable those responsible for these atrocities, particularly targeting Houthi leaders who order the planting of landmines, noting that the hierarchy within the militia is well-known.

UN reports indicate that approximately two million landmines have been planted by the Houthis across various areas they control, resulting in more than 20,000 civilian casualties, the majority of whom are women and children. Human rights reports accuse the Houthis of transforming Yemen into one of the largest minefields in history with their extensive landmine operations.