The Yemeni Mine Observatory has revealed that the clearance of landmines in Yemen could take between 20 to 30 years, a daunting timeline attributed to the complexity of the explosives laid by the Houthi forces across the country.
Fares al-Humairi, the Executive Director of the Observatory, highlighted the severity of the situation during an interview with Al Arabiya Al Hadath news channel, underscoring mines as one of the most significant and dangerous legacies of the war in Yemen.
Al-Humairi pointed out that nine Yemeni governorates are heavily polluted with mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), predominantly laid by the Houthi group in a dense and indiscriminate manner. The Western Coastal region, extending from the Directorate of Al-Durayhimi in Al Hudaydah Governorate through the coastal directorates of Taiz and Lahij Governorates, is among the most affected areas.
Contrasting with the United States' estimate that mine clearance in Yemen could take around eight years, Al-Humairi argues this is inaccurate. The varied terrain spanning deserts, mountains, plateaus, plains, valleys, and agricultural lands, he explains, complicates the work of engineering teams on the ground.
"Our estimates indicate that mine removal will take between 20 to 30 years, as some of the mines laid by the Houthis are highly complex, including plastic mines heavily used in several civilian areas, which pose a significant challenge for the engineering teams," Al-Humairi said.
He also highlighted the significant efforts and humanitarian support from the Saudi Project for Landmine Clearance (Masam), which has reportedly removed close to half a million mines, IEDs, and unexploded ordnance. In addition, military engineering teams affiliated with the government forces are making strides in both the Western Coast and other provinces.
Recently, Al-Humairi noted, the Houthis have been deploying mines with advanced technologies, including infrared sensors, and entire fields rigged with uniform pressure plates alongside plastic mines, suggesting foreign expertise behind this technological leap, particularly in maritime mines.
The United States has accused the Houthis of planting over two million mines in Yemen, aiming to transform the country into the world's largest minefield, a strategy that poses a persistent threat to civilian lives and hinders the nation's recovery from conflict.
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