Human Rights Organization accused today Al-Houthi rebels and their allies of the ousted Saleh of using banned mines in Yemen, killing and maiming hundreds of civilians and impeding the return of displaced people to their homes. "Al-Houthi rebels and pro-Saleh forces have used antipersonnel landmines in at least six provinces since the Arab coalition began its operations in Yemen in March 2015," the Organization said in a report released today. Yemen has banned antipersonnel mines for nearly two decades, but the Houthi rebels have violated the ban which led to killing and maiming hundreds of civilians, disrupting civilian life in affected areas and impeding the safe return of thousands of displaced civilians to their homes," it said. The use of anti-personnel landmines by Al-Houthis and pro-Saleh forces violates the laws of war, and the individuals involved are committing war crimes. The Human Rights Watch called on Al-Houthi rebels to take immediate steps to ensure that their forces stop using antipersonnel mines, destroy any antipersonnel mines in their possession and punish those who use these indiscriminate weapons.
