The Masam Project for clearing Yemeni lands of mines, implemented by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, continues to achieve tangible results on the ground, underscoring its vital role in protecting the lives of innocent civilians and paving the way for the return of normal life in affected areas. During the fifth week of April, the project's teams successfully removed 1,009 mines and unexploded ordnance, bringing the total number of mines and ordnance cleared since the project's inception to 558,016.
Details of recent field efforts
Recent demining operations have been spread across several key Yemeni governorates. Weekly achievements included the removal of 78 anti-tank mines, 3 anti-personnel mines, and 928 pieces of unexploded ordnance. These efforts were conducted in multiple areas, with clearing operations taking place in the governorates of Aden, Hadramawt, Hajjah, Lahj, Marib, Shabwah, and Taiz, reflecting the project's wide-ranging reach and its commitment to accessing as many contaminated areas as possible.
Background to the crisis: A deadly legacy of conflict
These efforts come amid a complex humanitarian crisis that has gripped Yemen for years. The conflict, which erupted in late 2014, has led to the indiscriminate planting of hundreds of thousands of landmines by the Houthi militia, turning vast swathes of farmland, roads, and residential areas into death traps that threaten the lives of residents daily. Landmines, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), are among the most dangerous remnants of war, remaining active for years, killing and maiming civilians, especially children and women, and preventing displaced people from returning to their homes and farms.
The importance of the Masam project and its humanitarian impact
The Masam Project was launched in 2018 as a pioneering Saudi humanitarian initiative aimed at addressing this catastrophe. The project's importance extends beyond simply removing landmines; it encompasses restoring hope and life to local communities. Every mine removed means a new opportunity for a farmer to return to his field, for a child to play safely, and for a displaced family to return to their home. Regionally and internationally, the project serves as a model for effective humanitarian intervention, highlighting the scale of the tragedy caused by landmines and contributing to long-term stability, which is essential for the success of any future peace process in Yemen.
A continued commitment towards a safe Yemen
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its humanitarian arm, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Yemeni people and alleviating their suffering. The “Masam” project is an integral part of these efforts, with its specialized teams continuing to work diligently and courageously in challenging field conditions, with the sole aim of ridding Yemen of this insidious threat and empowering Yemenis to build a secure and stable future.
