announced The Masam Project a new achievement in its humanitarian efforts, with its field teams successfully removing and destroying 1,609 landmines and unexploded ordnance during the third week of June. This accomplishment is part of the Saudi project's ongoing work to save innocent lives and secure Yemeni lands, reaffirming its commitment to ridding Yemen of this deadly threat that endangers millions of lives.
The ongoing efforts of “Project Masam” to secure the lives of Yemenis
The clearance operations carried out in a single week included the removal of eight anti-personnel mines, 123 anti-tank mines, 1,477 pieces of unexploded ordnance, and one improvised explosive device (IED). With this latest achievement, the total number of mines, unexploded ordnance, and IEDs removed since the project's inception in mid-2018 has risen to over 448,000. These mines and IEDs were planted indiscriminately across various Yemeni governorates. The project's operations are concentrated in liberated areas with a high density of mines, which hinders the return of displaced persons and prevents the resumption of normal life and agricultural activities upon which local residents depend.
The legacy of heavy landmines in Yemen and its humanitarian consequences
The landmine problem in Yemen is one of the most serious humanitarian challenges left by years of conflict. The indiscriminate planting of landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by Houthi militias has transformed vast areas of farmland, roads, and residential neighborhoods into death traps for civilians, especially children and women. These lethal weapons make no distinction between combatants and civilians, and continue to claim lives and cause permanent disabilities long after hostilities have ended. This crisis has exacerbated human suffering, preventing aid from reaching the population and hindering their movement, thus placing an additional burden on communities already reeling from the ravages of war.
Beyond mere demining: The developmental impact of “Masam”
The “Masam” project, implemented by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, extends beyond the technical aspect of explosive ordnance removal to encompass deeper humanitarian and developmental dimensions. Every mine removed represents a new lease on life for a family, and every cleared field is a step towards restoring food security and reviving economic activity. The project directly contributes to creating safe conditions for the return of displaced persons to their homes, rehabilitating infrastructure, and enabling humanitarian organizations to reach the most vulnerable groups. These tireless efforts are a cornerstone for rebuilding long-term peace and stability in Yemen.
