The Masam Project for clearing Yemeni lands of mines, affiliated with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, announced a new milestone in its humanitarian efforts. During the fourth week of November, its field teams successfully removed 961 mines, unexploded ordnance, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from various Yemeni governorates. This achievement is part of the project's ongoing work aimed at saving innocent lives and securing the future of Yemen.
General context and the landmine crisis in Yemen
Since the outbreak of the conflict in Yemen, the country has experienced one of the world’s worst landmine crises. Houthi militias have indiscriminately planted hundreds of thousands of landmines in residential areas, agricultural lands, roads, and schools, without maps or distinguishing between military and civilian targets. These mines, which include anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, as well as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and camouflaged mines, have turned vast areas of Yemen into death traps, posing a constant threat to civilian lives even after the conflict ends. In response to this humanitarian catastrophe, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, launched Project Masam in 2018, a specialized humanitarian initiative aimed at removing these mines, training Yemeni personnel in their handling, and restoring hope and normalcy to the affected areas.
The importance of the project and its profound humanitarian impact
The importance of the Masam project extends far beyond simply removing explosives; it represents a lifeline for Yemeni communities. Every mine removed means saving a potential life, allowing farmers to return to their land, opening safe routes for humanitarian aid, and enabling children to attend school without fear. Locally, the project contributes to the return of displaced people to their homes and the resumption of vital economic activities such as agriculture and livestock herding. Regionally and internationally, Masam's efforts are a cornerstone of peacebuilding and stability in Yemen, as clearing landmines is an indispensable step for any future reconstruction or sustainable development. It also highlights the leading humanitarian role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in supporting the Yemeni people.
Details of demining operations during the week
The demolition operations that took place during the fourth week of November were spread across a number of governorates, and included the following:
- Anti-personnel mines: 6 mines.
- Anti-tank mines: 92 mines.
- Unexploded ordnance: 862 pieces.
- Explosive devices: One device.
The efforts have been concentrated in multiple districts, including Qataba in Al Dhale’e, Al Khokha in Al Hudaydah, Midi in Hajjah, Tuban and Al Mudharabah in Lahj, in addition to areas in the governorates of Aden, Shabwa and Taiz, reflecting the wide spread of the project’s operations.
A commendable overall result of “Masam’s” efforts
With this weekly achievement, the total number of mines removed during November has risen to 4,726. More importantly, the total number of mines cleared since the launch of Project Masam has reached 526,460, all of which were planted indiscriminately to target innocent children, women, and the elderly. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its humanitarian arm, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, continues its unwavering commitment to supporting this vital project, underscoring its role in enhancing the safety of civilians and enabling the Yemeni people to live dignified and secure lives.
