Yemen‘s government has urged quick international aid to address the country’s acute landmine situation, which is a key impediment to restoring peace.
On the International Day for Mine Awareness and Aid in Mine Action, the authorities warned of the significant threat presented by landmines and explosive ordnance as the continuing conflict approaches its ninth year, according to Xinhua.
Amin Aqili, the leader of Yemen’s National Mine Action Program, spoke at an event on Tuesday in the southern port city of Aden, emphasising the gravity of Yemen’s problem while urging greater international assistance.
According to Michael Beary, director of the UN Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement, more than 50 injuries have already been recorded this year from mine mishaps in the country’s Red Sea port city of Hodeidah (UNMHA).
Beary stressed the need of finding a solution to this continuous threat, saying it is heartbreaking to consider that future generations, even children yet to be born, may be affected by this curse.
The UN official asked the Yemeni parties concerned to take quick action and collaborate to eliminate the threat, emphasising that UNMHA is prepared to give all required support, technical guidance, and coordination to help ease the situation.
According to previous claims by humanitarian organisations, Yemen has become one of the world’s greatest landmine fields since World War II.
Yemeni demining specialists estimate that more than a million landmines have been planted since the civil conflict began in late 2014, when the Houthi militia grabbed control of several northern provinces and drove the government out of the capital Sanaa.
