They said that most mines were planted near government institutions , military compounds , checkpoints , and mountainous roads . Yemen 's Defense Ministry says thousands of land mines were planted by al Qaeda militants . At least 50 people , including 23 soldiers , have been killed by the mines , the ministry says . Local ##s say many more people have been killed by mine explosions . Ministry : The militants planted the mines to retaliate for defeat by government forces .
Yemen 's Defense Ministry says thousands of land mines were planted by al Qaeda militants . At least 50 people , including 23 soldiers , have been killed by the mines , the ministry says . Local ##s say many more people have been killed by mine explosions . Ministry : The militants planted the mines to retaliate for defeat by government forces .