Project Masam achievement: More than 561,000 landmines removed in Yemen
has The Masam Project achieved another humanitarian milestone. During the second week of May, engineering teams successfully removed 2,285 mines and unexploded ordnance from various Yemeni governorates. This brings the total number of mines removed since the initiative's launch to over 561,140, reflecting the immense efforts being made to protect innocent civilians and ensure their daily safety.
The roots of the landmine crisis and humanitarian challenges in Yemen
The landmine crisis in Yemen has its roots in the beginning of the armed conflict, with the country witnessing the indiscriminate and intensive planting of hundreds of thousands of landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in villages, farms, schools, and public roads. These practices, which violate international laws and norms, have transformed vast areas of Yemeni land into hidden death traps, claiming the lives of innocent civilians, particularly children, women, and the elderly. These mines have also posed a major obstacle to the delivery of humanitarian aid and prevented thousands of displaced people from returning to their homes, necessitating urgent international and regional intervention to save the Yemeni people from this impending catastrophe.
Details of the field operations of the Masam project teams
On the ground, the number of mines removed during the week included 172 anti-tank mines, 145 anti-personnel mines, 1,964 pieces of unexploded ordnance, and 4 improvised explosive devices. These achievements were distributed across several governorates. In Aden, 608 pieces of unexploded ordnance were removed, while in Qa'tabah district of Al Dhale' governorate, an anti-personnel mine was cleared. In Al Hudaydah governorate, teams removed two anti-tank mines and unexploded ordnance in Hays, and another in Al Khawkhah.
In Hadramawt, specifically in the Al-Mukalla district, 139 anti-personnel mines, 7 anti-tank mines, and 1,159 pieces of unexploded ordnance were removed. Efforts extended to Hajjah, Shabwa, and Taiz, where dozens of mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that directly threatened the lives of residents were neutralized.
Local and regional impact of clearance operations
The significance of the achievements of the Masam Project extends far beyond mere statistics, encompassing a profound impact at both the local and regional levels. Locally, ongoing demining operations are contributing to the restoration of normalcy in liberated areas, enabling farmers to return to their fields and children to attend school safely, free from the ever-present threat of death. Securing vital roads also facilitates the movement of domestic trade and the delivery of aid convoys. Regionally and internationally, clearing Yemen of mines enhances the stability of the entire region, reduces internal and external displacement, and supports the comprehensive peace efforts sponsored by the United Nations and the international community.
The Kingdom's sustained commitment to humanitarian work
This pioneering project embodies the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment, through its humanitarian arm, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, to stand with the brotherly Yemeni people in their darkest hours. The continued funding and support of the engineering teams working on the ground underscores that the ultimate goal is to enable Yemenis to live in a safe and stable environment, free from the threats that impede development and reconstruction. Thanks to these sacrifices and tireless efforts, Yemen is drawing ever closer to finally eradicating the nightmare of landmines that has plagued it for so many years.
