Saudi Arabia's mine action projects in 3 countries | $294 million
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its global leadership in humanitarian work, with its efforts clearly evident in mine action and the protection of civilians in conflict zones. Represented by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, the Kingdom implements impactful humanitarian initiatives and projects aimed at alleviating the suffering of those affected. Through specialized programs that contribute to risk reduction and enhanced safety, the Center has implemented major projects in Yemen, Azerbaijan, and Iraq, with a total value exceeding US$294 million.
The historical roots of the explosives crisis and the need to combat landmines
Landmines and explosive remnants of war are among the most complex challenges facing humanity for decades. Historically, these weapons have been used indiscriminately in numerous armed conflicts around the world, leaving a deadly legacy that threatens the lives of generations long after the fighting has ended. The danger of these explosives lies in their indiscriminate nature; they make no distinction between combatant and civilian, adult and child. Therefore, mine action has become an urgent priority on the international agenda to ensure the stability of post-conflict countries and pave the way for reconstruction and sustainable development.
Project Masam: Saving lives in Yemeni territories
Within this humanitarian framework, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center continues to implement Project Masam, one of the most prominent and specialized humanitarian projects focused on removing explosives, unexploded ordnance, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that were randomly planted in various Yemeni governorates. This indiscriminate planting has resulted in catastrophic humanitarian consequences, threatening the lives of residents and their daily livelihoods. With a total cost of US$290,161,890, the project works to secure villages, roads, farms, and vital infrastructure.
Since its launch in June 2018, the project's field teams have removed 551,189 landmines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and unexploded ordnance. They have also successfully cleared a vast area of 77,994,540 square meters of Yemeni land. This monumental task is carried out by 746 field personnel, specialists, and international experts working under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions. Some of these workers have made significant sacrifices and sustained injuries while performing their humanitarian duty.
Regional and international impact of explosive ordnance disposal efforts
The positive impact of these projects extends beyond the local level to encompass significant regional and international dimensions. Regionally, eliminating these threats contributes to the return of displaced persons to their homes and the resumption of agricultural and commercial activities, thereby strengthening economic and social stability in affected areas and preventing new waves of displacement. The Center's efforts have extended to Iraq through a memorandum of understanding for financial support to fund survey and clearance projects in several Iraqi governorates with a grant of one million US dollars. The Center also supported a similar project in Azerbaijan with three million US dollars, as part of a comprehensive humanitarian approach aimed at protecting civilians in internationally affected areas.
Comprehensive care: from hazard removal to physical rehabilitation
The center's efforts extend beyond field operations to remove explosives; they also encompass mitigating their profound humanitarian impact. This is clearly demonstrated through its prosthetic limb program, which aims to provide physical rehabilitation services to those injured. The program provides high-quality prosthetic limbs, helping beneficiaries regain mobility, reintegrate into society, and lead normal lives. Nearly 92,000 individuals have benefited from this pioneering program, reflecting the comprehensive nature of Saudi Arabia's vision for humanitarian aid.
Global solidarity on the International Day for Mine Awareness
These tremendous efforts come at a time when these hidden weapons continue to pose a global humanitarian challenge. The United Nations estimates that, on average, one person is killed or injured every hour by these deadly remnants of war, with their impact on civilians, particularly children, being widespread. On the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, observed annually on April 4, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre continues its strong support for international efforts to eliminate this threat, raise awareness of its dangers, and actively contribute to building safer and more stable environments for all humanity.
