Yemen Landmines Kill Civilians Despite Ceasefire and Removal Efforts
Landmines in Yemen continue killing and injuring civilians despite an ongoing ceasefire and efforts to remove the explosives. Yemen now has the worst landmine problem in the world, with mines planted randomly during years of war making removal extremely difficult.
Landmines scattered across Yemen continue to kill and maim civilians even as the country maintains a ceasefire and works to clear the deadly explosives. The country now tops the global list for landmine contamination.
The problem stems from how the mines were planted during Yemen's civil war. Because they were placed in a disorganized fashion across the country, removing them has become extremely difficult and dangerous work.
Numerous regions across Yemen remain contaminated with landmines and unexploded bombs. People who try to return to their former neighborhoods face serious risks from these hidden explosives. Many have lost their lives or suffered physical and psychological injuries.
The impact extends far beyond immediate injuries. Landmines force families to stay displaced from their homes and prevent farmers from working their fields. The contamination creates lasting damage that experts say will affect civilian lives for decades, even after all military operations end completely.
These hidden explosives block people from returning to their homes and neighborhoods safely. The crisis will affect civilian lives for decades, even after the war ends, making basic activities like farming and walking dangerous.
De-mining efforts will continue, but the disorganized placement makes progress slow and dangerous.
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