MASAM removes 1,181 landmines in Yemen: the second week of January
As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian efforts, the MASAM for clearing Yemeni lands of mines continued to achieve tangible field successes aimed at protecting civilians and securing livelihoods. During the second week of January 2026, the project, overseen by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, successfully removed 1,181 mines and unexploded ordnance from various areas across Yemen.
Details of field operations and their geographical distribution
The ordnance seized by the project's engineering teams included four anti-personnel mines, 61 anti-tank mines, 1,114 pieces of unexploded ordnance, and two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), reflecting the scale of the threat facing the local population. The clearance operations covered several Yemeni governorates, with teams in Aden Governorate removing one piece of ordnance in the Khormaksar district and 581 pieces in the Aden district.
On the western coast, specifically in Hays District of Al Hudaydah Governorate, two pieces of ordnance were removed. Meanwhile, intensive operations in Midi District of Hajjah Governorate resulted in the removal of 57 anti-tank mines, 13 pieces of ordnance, and two improvised explosive devices. Efforts extended to Al Mudharabah District of Lahj Governorate, Ma'rib District, and Asilan District of Shabwah Governorate, in addition to targeted operations in Taiz Governorate, including the districts of Al Mukha, Dhubab, and Saluh, where large areas were secured from the threat of anti-tank mines and scattered ordnance.
The strategic and humanitarian importance of the Masam project
The importance of the “Masam” project extends far beyond the sheer number of demining operations; it encompasses profound humanitarian and developmental dimensions. Since its inception, the project has been addressing one of the most serious challenges left by the conflicts in Yemen: the indiscriminate planting of landmines in residential areas, schools, farms, and water sources. This landmine contamination has not only threatened lives but has also crippled development and prevented thousands of displaced people from returning to their homes.
This project is a key pillar in the stabilization efforts, as clearing the land helps open roads for the delivery of humanitarian aid and enables farmers to safely reclaim their land, thereby enhancing food and economic security for affected Yemeni families.
Record statistics and ongoing Saudi efforts
With the conclusion of operations during the second week of January, the total number of mines removed during the month rose to 1,917, bringing the total number of mines removed since the start of the MASAM project to a record 531,868. This staggering figure reflects the scale of the disaster that Yemenis have been spared thanks to the tireless efforts of the project's teams.
These findings reaffirm the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment, through its humanitarian arm, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, to stand with the brotherly Yemeni people. The Kingdom continues to dedicate all its resources and technical expertise to ensuring a mine-free Yemen, thereby providing a safe environment that guarantees the right to a dignified life for children, women, and the elderly, free from the fear of explosive devices.
