Houthi landmines have killed 8,000 Yemenis since start of war

Above, a member of Yemen’s demining team searches for land mines in the western province of Hodeida on March 1, 2021. (AFP)
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Updated 08 April 2021
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Houthi landmines have killed 8,000 Yemenis since start of war

  • Current areas under Houthi control may be contaminated with landmines

DUBAI: A Yemeni official has called on the international community to pressure the Houthi to stop planting landmines, which have so far killed 8,000, state news agency SABA reported.

Director of the National Mine Action Program Ameen Al-Aqeeli said on Wednesday that 61 members of his crew “have lost their lives and a large number of others have sustained wounds” due to the mines.

“Large swaths of the territories recently liberated from Houthi control in Taiz have been found to be contaminated with mines,” Al-Aqeeli said.

He said that this has led him to believe that current areas under Houthi control may also be contaminated with landmines.


GCC ambassadors hold discussions with Japan’s ruling party regarding Iran

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GCC ambassadors hold discussions with Japan’s ruling party regarding Iran

  • KONO Taro, head of the LDP’s international relations, participated in the high-level discussions alongside other senior officials
  • Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Japan, described the meeting as a timely opportunity to exchange views on the evolving regional situation

TOKYO: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ambassadors met on Tuesday with leaders of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to explore deeper collaboration across multiple fields and tackle pressing issues related to Iran.

KONO Taro, head of the party’s international relations, participated in the high-level discussions alongside other senior officials.

Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Japan, described the meeting as a timely opportunity to exchange views on the evolving regional situation.

Ambassador Binzagr emphasized that during periods of heightened tension, open dialogue with trusted partners like Japan is essential. He noted that diplomacy and clear communication are vital for defusing conflict and maintaining regional stability.

Saudi Ambassador Binzagr further noted that the Gulf countries and Japan share a longstanding history of cooperation founded on mutual trust and common objectives of stability and prosperity. He stated, “In times such as these, it is precisely these enduring partnerships that allow constructive dialogue to prevail, and that help ensure that wisdom and restraint guide the path toward peace and stability in our region."

Kono underscored the strong bonds and active cooperation between Japan and the GCC, noting that Japan views its ties with the GCC as a strategic partnership.