Yemen: Explosive Devices Everywhere

Displaced by the War

Yusuf Talal is 15 years old and comes from the Shar’ab District in Yemen. His family relies on herding as its main source of income. After the outbreak of armed conflict in Yemen in 2015, they were forced to flee their home and relocate to the Hays District, where they were welcomed by relatives. Yusuf lived a simple and peaceful life. Every morning, he would take the herds through the mountains and nearby villages in search of grazing land. However, one day, Yusuf experienced a horrifying event that changed his life forever.

Injured by an Explosive Device

It happened last October. As usual, Yusuf was out herding sheep. While tending to the flock, he noticed a strange object lying among the rocks and stopped to take a closer look.

Yusuf picked up the mysterious object, thinking it might be something interesting. But upon examining it, he realized it was just a piece of junk, not something he could play with, so he threw it away. That's when it exploded.

The explosion severely injured Youssef, resulting in the loss of his left leg below the knee. Two sheep that were near the blast site were also wounded.

Yusuf didn’t regain consciousness until he heard the voices of his relatives and doctors shouting around him. Confused and in severe pain, he didn’t fully understand what was happening.

Rushed to the Hospital

Yusuf was immediately transferred to Al Noor Hospital. He underwent a total of 12 surgeries aimed at repairing the extensive damage to his tissues and muscles. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, Youssef initially lost all feeling in his leg and doctors considered amputating...

The surgeries included bone grafting, the installation of stents, and the reconnection of veins and arteries. After more than a month of intensive treatment, signs of progress finally appeared. When doctors noticed movement and response in Youssef’s toes, they confirmed that sensation was returning to the leg.

Following over two months in the hospital, Youssef was finally discharged. He now lives with a cousin in a workers’ dormitory shared by people from the same region.

HI made several follow-up visits to check on Yusuf’s condition. During these visits, Yusuf expressed frustration over his inability to walk. Psychosocial first aid was provided to both him and his cousin to support their emotional well-being. Additionally, a cash transfer of $230 was provided to help meet Youssef’s needs during his stay in Aden.

Starting Physical Therapy

Yusuf has now begun attending physical therapy sessions at Al Sadaqah Hospital, supported by HI. Today, he is enrolled in a comprehensive physical rehabilitation program aimed at helping him regain his independence and mobility.

Through consistent support and progress, he has come to believe that it is only a matter of time before he can once again play with his friends.