Introduction: Saudi Arabia's leadership in global humanitarian work
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, continues to solidify its leading position on the global humanitarian map. Mine action as one of the Kingdom's most important and impactful humanitarian initiatives, aimed at protecting innocent civilians and alleviating the immense suffering caused by armed conflicts. In this context, the Center has implemented major projects in Yemen, Iraq, and Azerbaijan, at a total cost exceeding US$294 million, reflecting a firm commitment to saving lives and building safe and stable environments.
Historical context and the danger of mines in conflict zones
Historically, landmines and unexploded ordnance are among the deadliest remnants of war, posing a threat for decades after conflicts end. In Yemen, the ongoing conflict since 2014 has led to the indiscriminate and widespread planting of mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in villages, farms, and roads, paralyzing daily life. In Iraq, mines have accumulated as a result of decades of successive wars and counterterrorism operations, while Azerbaijan faces similar challenges in areas affected by past conflicts. This complex context has made Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian intervention a vital necessity for clearing these areas and restoring normalcy.
Project “Masam”: A lifeline in Yemeni lands
The Masam project for clearing Yemeni lands of mines is considered the crown jewel of Saudi humanitarian projects in this field. Launched in June 2018 at a cost of US$290,161,890, its field teams, comprising 746 personnel and international experts, have achieved exceptional results, successfully removing 551,189 mines, improvised explosive devices, and unexploded ordnance. These tremendous efforts have cleared a vast area of 77,994,540 square meters, directly contributing to securing villages, reopening roads, and restoring agricultural lands and vital infrastructure.
Expanding the scope of support: Regional impact in Iraq and Azerbaijan
The Kingdom's efforts were not limited to Yemen; they extended to other countries suffering from the same crisis. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center provided $1 million in funding for mine survey and clearance projects in several Iraqi governorates, contributing to the swift return of displaced persons to their homes. Support also included Azerbaijan with a $3 million grant for a mine clearance project, reflecting the positive regional and international impact of the Kingdom's efforts in promoting global security and peace.
Prosthetics Program: Reintegrating those affected into society
The Kingdom's humanitarian vision extends beyond simply removing explosives to include caring for their victims. Within this framework, the center launched a prosthetic limb program that provides physical and psychological rehabilitation services to those injured. Nearly 92,000 individuals have benefited from this program, receiving high-quality prosthetic limbs that have enabled them to regain mobility, reintegrate into their communities, and lead normal and dignified lives.
International Day for Mine Awareness: Global Solidarity
These achievements coincide with the international community's observance of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action on April 4th each year. United Nations statistics paint a grim picture: on average, one person is killed or injured every hour worldwide by landmines, a significant proportion of whom are children. Through its ambitious projects, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirms its unwavering support for international efforts to eliminate this deadly threat and build a safer and more stable future for generations to come.
