Yemen 's Defense Ministry says thousands of land mines were planted by al Qaeda militants . At least 73 people , including 23 soldiers , have been killed by the mines , the ministry says . Comment: 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 73 people , including 23 soldiers , have been killed by the mines , the ministry says . Local residents say many more people have been injured by mine explosions . Ministry : The militants planted the mines to retaliate for defeat by government forces .