RIYADH: The Saudi government has deactivated 349,721 land mines in Yemen laid by Houthi militia, clearing routes for much-needed humanitarian aid aimed at supporting the country’s embattled citizens.
Implemented by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, the Saudi Project for Landmine Clearance in Yemen dismantled 838 mines in the first week of July.
This figure includes six anti-personnel mines, 349 anti-tank mines and 483 unexploded ordinances.
The project is one of several initiatives undertaken by Saudi Arabia on the orders of King Salman to help ease the suffering of the Yemeni people.
The demining took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.
More than 1.2 million mines have been planted by the Houthis, claiming the lives of hundreds of civilians.
The Saudi project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also provides support to Yemenis injured by the devices.
Last month, the project’s contract was extended for another year at a cost of $33.29 million.
Meanwhile, KSrelief distributed 2,681 food baskets to needy groups in Yemen's Hajjah governorate, benefiting 24,556 people.
This comes within the framework of efforts by the Kingdom to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people and meet their basic food needs.
