Project Masam removes 736 landmines in Yemen: A new weekly tally
As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of the brotherly Yemeni people, the "Masam" project for clearing Yemeni lands of mines, overseen by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, continued to achieve tangible field successes. During the week of December 27, 2025, to January 2, 2026, the project's engineering teams successfully removed 736 mines and unexploded ordnance planted in various areas of Yemen.
Details of field operations and their geographical distribution
Field reports from the project revealed that the ordnance removed this week included four anti-personnel mines, 59 anti-tank mines, 672 pieces of unexploded ordnance, and one improvised explosive device. The removal efforts were spread across several Yemeni governorates, with 379 pieces of unexploded ordnance removed in Aden Governorate, while the team in Qa'tabah District of Al Dhale' Governorate removed one anti-personnel mine.
In Hajjah Governorate, specifically in the Midi District, teams successfully removed 29 anti-tank mines, 69 pieces of unexploded ordnance, and an improvised explosive device. Operations also took place in the Al-Mudharabah District of Lahj Governorate, where one piece of ordnance was removed, and in Marib Governorate, where 27 anti-tank mines and 170 pieces of unexploded ordnance were cleared. In Taiz Governorate, operations were conducted in the districts of Al-Mukha, Dhubab, Maqbanah, and Saluh, resulting in the clearing of large areas of mines and various types of ordnance.
Project Masam: Historical Context and Cumulative Achievement
Project Masam is one of the most important humanitarian initiatives launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in mid-2018, with the aim of clearing Yemeni lands of landmines and unexploded ordnance. This project comes in response to the catastrophic situation resulting from the indiscriminate planting of mines by militias in residential areas, schools, and roads, turning the lives of civilians into a constant threat.
With this week's additions, the total number of mines and unexploded ordnance removed since the project's inception has risen to 530,687. This staggering figure reflects the scale of the disaster averted, as each mine removed represents a life saved—whether that of a child, woman, or elderly person—highlighting the vital importance of this project in protecting innocent lives.
Strategic importance and humanitarian impact
The importance of the "Masam" project is not limited to the digital aspect alone, but extends to include crucial developmental and social dimensions. Land clearance enables displaced people to return to their homes safely, allows farmers to resume cultivating their land, and enables herders to move freely, thus contributing to revitalizing the local economy and restoring livelihoods.
These ongoing efforts confirm the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s firm commitment to supporting Yemen in all areas, as “Masam” is considered a fundamental pillar in the Saudi humanitarian work system, which seeks not only to provide food and medicine, but also to secure the land on which the Yemeni people walk, so that they may live a dignified and safe life away from the fear of sudden explosions.
