Landmines versus Farms

More than 1.2 million mines have been planted by the Houthis, claiming the lives of hundreds of civilians. Landmines laid in farmlands, villages, wells, and roads have killed at least 140 civilians, including 19 children, in the Hodeida and Taizz governorates since 2018.

" A total of 942 civilians, including 223 children and 217 women, died over the last six years due to mines planted by Houthi militias in the Taiz province." the Yemeni Mine Observatory said in a statement. Mines planted by Houthi militias also injured over 2,300 civilians in southwestern Taiz province, says local NGO. 

Landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have prevented humanitarian organizations from reaching populations in need, left farms and wells inaccessible, and harmed civilians trying to return home.

Landmines have also left at least three western coast water facilities inaccessible. In addition, mines have made it more difficult for villagers to feed themselves and maintain their income.

" Landmines have prevented humanitarian organizations from reaching communities in need along the western coast."  Human Rights Watch said. 

landmines prevented them from taking unpaved roads to reach communities in need in several western coast areas, including Mawza’a, Wazi’iyah, Mokha, and Tuhayta. 

Despite extensive demining efforts, countless still threaten the lives of ordinary people, and continue to be a major obstacle to delivering humanitarian assistance to the needy and displaced.

 

_{Source and Credit: HRW, AA, Arab News}