UN aid chief Mark Lowcock said Saudi Arabia will pay $500 million to the world body next week to help fund its humanitarian response in Yemen.

Lowcock said Saudi Arabia planned to pay on Sept. 25 and that the UAE had also recently made a payment of $200 million.

1,980 mines cleared in Yemen

MASAM, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSRelief) project for clearing mines in Yemen, cleared 1,980 mines during the second week of September.

Experts extracted two antipersonnel mines, 332 anti-tank, 1,629 unexploded ordnance and 17 explosive devices. 

Since the beginning of the project, 89,761 landmines planted by the Iranian-backed Houthis have been cleared.

The project aims to help cut the number of deaths and injuries caused to Yemenis by hidden explosive devices.

The mines were randomly planted to target civilians, causing permanent injuries and chronic disabilities to children and the elderly among other victims.

The project aims to ensure current and future security for the Yemeni people and is one of several projects and initiatives provided by the Kingdom as part of its efforts to bring stability and development to the war-torn Middle Eastern country.

The KSRelief is carrying out several humanitarian projects in Yemen, which includes provision of food, health care, vocational training and education.