Ongoing efforts to save lives: Project Masam in Yemen
continues Project for Landmine Clearance (MASAM) its tireless efforts to clear Yemeni lands of the threat of landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In a new humanitarian achievement, the project's engineering teams cleared vast areas during the fourth week of March, successfully removing 1,737 landmines and unexploded ordnance from various regions of Yemen, reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to protecting civilians and ensuring their safety.
Details of demining operations during the week
The mines and ordnance removed this week included 5 anti-personnel mines and 1,732 pieces of unexploded ordnance. Field operations were concentrated in several key Yemeni governorates, with teams making exceptional efforts to reach the most affected areas
- Aden Governorate: The Masam project team managed to remove 242 unexploded ordnance, which contributes to securing the temporary capital.
- Al Hudaydah Governorate: One unexploded ordnance was removed in Al Khawkhah District, a strategic area on the west coast.
- Hadhramaut Governorate: Al-Mukalla District witnessed intensive efforts, during which 5 anti-personnel mines and 1,489 unexploded ordnance were removed.
General context and historical background of the landmine crisis in Yemen
The landmine crisis in Yemen stems from the escalation of armed conflict, with hundreds of thousands of landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) being indiscriminately planted across various governorates. This crisis constitutes one of the largest landmine disasters in modern history. The planting of these mines has not been confined to areas of active combat, but has extended to residential villages, schools, farms, and water sources, posing a daily and direct threat to the lives of innocent civilians and hindering the delivery of humanitarian aid and the return of displaced persons.
The strategic and humanitarian importance of clearing Yemeni lands
efforts the Masam project's and its anticipated impact are evident on several interconnected levels. Locally, demining contributes to saving the lives of thousands of civilians, particularly children, women, and the elderly, and reduces tragic injuries and amputations. It also paves the way for displaced persons to return to their homes and resume their normal lives, including farming and livestock herding. Regionally and internationally, clearing coastal areas such as Hodeidah Governorate enhances maritime security in the Red Sea and reduces threats to global trade routes.
Achievements of the King Salman Relief Center
With these new field figures, the total number of mines and explosive devices removed during March has risen to 5,237. Since the launch of the Masam humanitarian project, a total of 551,189 mines and explosive devices have been cleared. This staggering number reflects the scale of the disaster that threatened the Yemeni people and highlights the Kingdom's leading role, through its humanitarian arm, in providing sustained support and enabling our brothers and sisters in Yemen to live in a safe environment, free from fear and danger.
