Landmine Explosion in Yemen Kills 3 Children, Injures 4 Near Displacement Camp

A landmine explosion in Yemen’s southern Lahj province on Monday claimed the lives of at least three children and injured four others, according to a government official who wished to stay anonymous. The blast occurred near a displacement camp, which serves as a temporary home for hundreds of families escaping violence from other parts of Yemen. The children reportedly set off the explosive device while playing close to their tents, highlighting the ongoing dangers of landmines in the war-torn nation.

This incident coincides with a report from Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam, which announced the clearance of over 784 landmines across Yemen from February 3 to 9, planted by the Houthi rebels. Since its inception in 2018, Project Masam has been dedicated to removing explosives to facilitate humanitarian aid and safeguard civilian lives, with over 431,000 landmines cleared to date. Despite these efforts, landmines continue to inflict civilian casualties and hinder crucial aid deliveries.

The ongoing conflict in Yemen began in 2014, pitting the Houthi movement against the internationally recognized government, with a Saudi-led coalition intervening in 2015. Monday’s explosion underscores the persistent threat of unexploded ordnance in Yemen, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.