Mine incidents in Hodeidah kill and injure 55 civilians over seven months.

In the first seven months of the current year, landmines and explosive incidents attributed to the Houthi forces in Hodeidah, a western province of Yemen, have resulted in the death and injury of 55 civilians. This alarming figure was revealed in a cumulative assessment based on monthly reports by the United Nations Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) covering the period from January 1 to July 31, 2024.

Detailed Casualty Report

The statistics disclosed indicate that 24 civilians lost their lives, while 31 others sustained injuries across 36 separate incidents in various districts of the province. The reports further highlighted that the districts of Hali, Durayhimi, and Tuhayta were among the most affected areas, suffering the highest toll from these tragic incidents.

Recent Developments

In its latest monthly report for July, the UN mission noted a single incident in the Hays district, which resulted in three injuries. This particular month saw the lowest rate of such incidents in Hodeidah since October 2021, signaling a potential decrease in violence related to landmines and explosives in the region.

Ongoing Concerns

The persistence of landmine and explosive hazards in Hodeidah underscores the ongoing danger to civilians amidst Yemen’s protracted conflict. These figures not only highlight the immediate impact on the victims and their families but also reflect the broader issue of landmine contamination in Yemen, posing long-term risks to civilian safety and hindering recovery and reconstruction efforts in war-torn communities.

The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations continue to call for comprehensive demining efforts and increased support for victims, emphasizing the need for all parties to the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians and adhere to international humanitarian law.

As the situation in Yemen remains volatile, the international community remains watchful, hoping for a sustainable resolution that will ensure the safety and security of its civilians, free from the threat of landmines and other remnants of war.

 

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