Mines threaten the lives of Yemenis even after war is over

Mines pose a threat to the lives of Yemeni civilians, as they can cause life altering injuries. Al-Massar demining program reported that, during the second week of August this year, it managed to clear 558 mines planted by Houthi militia in different regions in Yemen, including 12 anti-personnel mines, 278 anti-tank mines, and 266 unexploded ordnance. Explosive mines cause permanent disabilities and impede the lives of civilians, which exacerbates the pain from war. A human rights activist told A24 that Houthis continue to plant mines in different areas of Yemen, including on roads, between houses and in agricultural lands, resulting in more civilian casualties, despite the fact that there are agreements that prohibit this action. The number of mine casualties has reached 3 thousand in Taiz alone, and 20 thousand in all of Yemen. Activists and concerned organizations continue to call for the international community to put pressure on parties of the conflict, especially Houthi militia, to stop this violation of international law, as well as work to clear the mines that threaten the lives of Yemenis.