RIYADH: The Saudi government has deactivated 357,788 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 1,030 mines in the second week of September.
This figure includes 26 anti-personnel mines, 123 anti-tank mines, 880 unexploded ordinances and one explosive device.
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.
In June, the project’s contract was extended for another year at a cost of $33.29 million.
Yemen is among the top beneficiaries of KSrelief assistance. The center has implemented 724 projects in Yemen, costing more than $4.1 billion.
Its programs include food security, water sanitation and hygiene, health, education, emergency aid, nutrition, protection, early recovery, logistics and telecommunication.
Worldwide, KSrelief has implemented 2,086 projects worth almost $6 billion in 86 countries. The initiatives have been carried out in cooperation with 175 local, regional and international partners since the inception of the center in May 2015.
