Geneva – SAM for Rights and Liberties said it is following with concern reports that four explosive devices camouflaged as rocks were found in residential areas and along routes used by shepherds in Al-Qahifah subdistrict, Maqbanah District, western Taiz Governorate, before local personnel were able to detect and remove them.

According to a video published by activist Ali Al-Kudaihi, the four devices had been planted and camouflaged in a manner that made them difficult to distinguish from the surrounding rocks. According to information provided by Al-Kudaihi, two of the devices were equipped with thermal sensors designed to trigger an explosion upon detecting an approaching moving object, while the other two could be detonated remotely. Al-Kudaihi said that the devices had been planted by the Houthi group. In a separate post, he also reported that an explosive device detonated among a flock of sheep at midday on 14 August 2026 in Al-Qahifah subdistrict, Maqbanah District, western Taiz Governorate.

SAM for Rights and Liberties said that planting camouflaged explosive devices in populated areas and along routes used by civilians and shepherds poses an extremely serious threat to residents’ lives, particularly when such devices are designed in a way that makes them exceptionally difficult to detect or distinguish. The organization added that such devices could turn roads and areas on which civilians depend in their daily lives into persistent sources of danger and death.

SAM added that, should the Houthi group’s responsibility for planting these devices be established, it must immediately disclose all locations where explosive devices or mines have been planted in the area and provide the information necessary to secure and clear those sites. The organization warned against the use of means of warfare that, in the manner in which they are employed, fail to distinguish between civilians and military objectives.

SAM stressed that the use of mines or explosive devices in a manner that targets civilians or produces indiscriminate effects is contrary to the fundamental rules of international humanitarian law, foremost among them the obligation to distinguish between civilians and combatants and to take the necessary precautions to protect the civilian population.

The organization called for an urgent survey of residential areas and roads surrounding Al-Qahifah subdistrict to ensure that no additional explosive devices or mines remain, for warning signs to be placed at suspected locations, and for civilians to be kept away from such areas until they have been fully secured.