Yemen War Escalates: Civilians Endangered by Improvised Explosive Devices Hidden in Everyday Objects

Civilians in Yemen are facing increased danger from makeshift bombs concealed within everyday items such as Thermos flasks and bags, a prominent mine clearance charity has warned. The Halo Trust reported that explosives are being planted along roadsides as approximately 300,000 people are displaced to temporary shelters amidst ongoing conflict between the Yemeni government and the Houthi rebels. This warning follows a recent Houthi attack on a medical center that, according to the Yemeni government, resulted in five fatalities and 15 injuries, marking one of the most severe attacks on medical personnel since the civil war intensified this summer. The threat posed by landmines exacerbates the already perilous conditions for civilians.

The Halo Trust detailed that these improvised explosive devices are disguised as common objects like rocks, bricks, and Thermos flasks, and are often hidden in bags or buried under the soil. Andrew Moore, the trust's Middle East director, stated, "With frontlines shifting and civilians fleeing their homes for unfamiliar areas, the risk of encountering hidden explosives is growing by the day." He emphasized the critical need for survey and mine clearance operations to keep pace with the evolving conflict and safeguard lives. The charity noted that mines and unexploded ordnance are frequently found on vital transportation routes, with a significant concentration of newly laid mines reported around the besieged city of Taiz.

The attack on the medical facility occurred in Lahj province in southern Yemen, as reported by government media. The incident resulted in casualties among medical staff, with three dead and seven wounded out of ten affected personnel. Yemen's Health Ministry condemned the attack as a "serious crime" and a violation of the protected status of medical centers. This escalation of violence coincides with concerns about a potential wider regional conflict, particularly if the United States and Israel initiate further strikes on Iran. Heavy fighting in Yemen resumed in August when the Houthis launched an offensive towards the Red Sea, opening a new front in the regional conflict. The Houthi rebels, reportedly equipped by Iran, are also believed to have developed indigenous weaponry. While the Houthis control the capital, Sanaa, the Yemeni government operates from Aden. The government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, has conducted retaliatory strikes against the Houthis. The coalition announced the interception of two drones near Riyadh and the downing of a ballistic missile in southern Saudi Arabia. The Houthis claimed responsibility for launching drones targeting Dammam airport, a radar site in Jizan, and a military transport aircraft in Saudi Arabia, though this claim lacked immediate Saudi confirmation.