In the city of Taiz, homes are typically dispersed across the mountainous terrain, yet numerous dwellings lie empty as families have fled the ongoing conflict.
We attempted twice to visit the neighborhood where Rafeef and her family reside, but a local community leader warned us that it was too unsafe.
On the first attempt, residents reported that three individuals had been struck by sniper fire; during the second attempt, we learned of yet another shooting incident.
At Rafeef’s school, teacher Abdel Raqeeb al‑Obaidi, aged 45, led us onto the rooftop to point out what he identified as Houthi military encampments, barracks and sniper positions on the surrounding mountains.
While on the rooftop, a Yemeni security adviser on our delegation abruptly instructed us to return inside, explaining that our presence was observable from the enemy positions and could expose us to gunfire.
Abdel Raqeeb chuckled, acknowledging the peril, and noted that the school had been shelled previously.
“The situation could erupt at any moment, whether we are in class, asleep, at school or on the street. We have no certainty about our future or what tomorrow holds.”
For Abdel Raqeeb, the threat has become an everyday reality, and his desensitization to it is deeply concerning.