Project Masam continues to clear Yemen of mines to protect civilians
As part of the pioneering humanitarian efforts led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Masam Project its noble mission of clearing Yemeni lands of the threat of landmines. During the fifth week of April, the project's engineering teams successfully removed 1,009 landmines and unexploded ordnance from various regions of Yemen. This haul included 78 anti-tank mines, 3 anti-personnel mines, and 928 pieces of unexploded ordnance, reflecting the scale of the challenges on the ground and the immense effort being made to save lives.
The root of the crisis addressed by Project Masam: indiscriminate landmine planting
To understand the vital importance of the Masam project, it is essential to consider the historical and field context of the Yemeni crisis. Since the outbreak of armed conflict, Yemen has witnessed one of the largest indiscriminate landmine planting operations in modern history. Hundreds of thousands of landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have been laid in villages, schools, roads, and farms without any maps or warning signs. This indiscriminate tactic has not been confined to the battlefronts; it has also claimed the lives of innocent civilians, including children, women, and the elderly, leading to a near-total paralysis of daily life and preventing thousands of displaced people from safely returning to their homes.
Achievements of the Masam project in various Yemeni governorates
The field teams' efforts are spread across a wide geographical area to ensure the security of as much territory as possible. In Aden Governorate, specifically in Aden District, 249 pieces of unexploded ordnance were removed. In Hadramawt Governorate, in Al-Mukalla District, the team successfully removed 4 anti-tank mines and 297 pieces of unexploded ordnance. In Hajjah Governorate, 52 anti-tank mines and 178 pieces of unexploded ordnance were removed in Midi District, while two anti-tank mines were removed in Al-Mudharabah District of Lahj Governorate.
The efforts didn't stop there. In Marib Governorate, one unexploded ordnance was removed in Al-Wadi District, along with three anti-personnel mines, twelve anti-tank mines, and 160 pieces of unexploded ordnance in Marib District. In Shabwa, specifically in Ain District, five anti-tank mines and four pieces of unexploded ordnance were neutralized. Taiz Governorate also benefited from these efforts, with the removal of one anti-tank mine in Al-Mukha, two anti-tank mines and 35 pieces of unexploded ordnance in Dhubab, and four pieces of unexploded ordnance in Salah District.
Humanitarian and developmental impact of mine clearance efforts
The strategic and humanitarian significance of the Masam project's transcends mere statistics, having a profound impact at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally, these operations contribute to revitalizing economic and agricultural activity and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need. Regionally and internationally, clearing coastal areas such as Mocha and Dhubab plays a vital role in securing maritime navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, thereby reducing threats to global trade routes. These efforts reflect a firm commitment to international humanitarian law and the protection of human rights to live in safety.
A continuous stream of contributions to the protection of civilians
With these weekly achievements, the total number of mines and explosive devices removed during April has risen to 6,827. More importantly, the cumulative number removed since the launch of Project Masam has reached 558,016 mines and improvised explosive devices, which were planted indiscriminately to sow fear and death. These figures confirm that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its humanitarian arm, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, is resolutely pursuing its noble project that enhances the safety of civilians and directly contributes to enabling our Yemeni brothers and sisters to regain their dignified and secure lives, free from the specter of unseen death.
