RIYADH: The Saudi Project for Landmine Clearance (Masam) dismantled 1,632 mines in Yemen during the second week of March, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
They comprised 45 anti-personnel mines, 367 anti-tank mines, 1,215 unexploded ordnances and five explosive devices.
Masam is one of several initiatives undertaken by Saudi Arabia on the directive of King Salman to help ease the suffering of the Yemeni people.
It is implemented by Saudi cadres and international experts to remove mines planted by Iran-backed Houthi militias in various Yemeni regions, especially Marib, Aden, Sanaa, Al-Jawf, Al-Dhale, Hodeidah, Shabwa and Taiz.
A total of 223,830 mines have been extracted since the start of the project. More than 1.1 million mines have been planted by the Houthis, claiming hundreds of civilian lives.
Masam has 32 demining teams, and aims to dismantle mines in Yemen to protect civilians and ensure that urgent humanitarian supplies are delivered safely.
It trains local demining engineers, gives them modern equipment and helps mine victims.
In 2020, Masam’s contract was extended for one year at a cost of $30 million.
Saudi project clears 1,632 more mines in Yemen
https://arab.news/ckzza
Saudi project clears 1,632 more mines in Yemen
- Masam is one of several initiatives undertaken by Saudi Arabia on the directive of King Salman to help ease the suffering of the Yemeni people
Ithra will bring Spain to life for 2-week cultural celebration
- Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower
DHAHRAN: Visitors to the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) can enjoy a taste of Spanish culture from Jan. 12-31.
Under the banner “Live Spain,” spaces at Ithra will be transformed to give a glimpse of life in this vibrant European country.
Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower, with exhibitions dedicated to Spanish photography, fashion and sports. There will also be Spanish cuisine and interactive installations exploring historical and linguistic connections between Arab and Spanish traditions.
There will be live performances across various stages, with a production of “Carmen” among the highlights.
“Cultural exchange is a core part of Ithra’s approach to programming. Celebrating Spain’s culture and history reflects this focus, particularly as this year’s Cultural Days take on a distinctive character by exploring Spain’s cultural heritage,” Noura Alzamil, program manager at Ithra, said.
“Visitors to Ithra will experience an exciting program in every sense, given the scale and variety of events designed to appeal to all tastes and interests.”
Cinema showings will feature Spanish short and feature films, accompanied by post-screening discussions to provide additional cultural context, while talks and sessions in the idea lab and library will explore architecture, literature and creative practice.
Hands-on workshops will invite visitors to engage directly with Spanish crafts and creative traditions, from visual arts and design to food-related practices.
A dedicated program for children and youth will run alongside with storytelling, creative workshops and performances among the attractions. Food and market experiences in Ithra’s public spaces will reflect the important social role played in the country by food.
Ithra Cultural Days present international cultures through immersive, public-facing experiences. This year’s focus on Spain follows the success of last year’s Japan edition, which welcomed more than 200,000 visitors in just two weeks.
