RIYADH: The Saudi Project for Landmine Clearance (Masam) dismantled 2,500 mines in Yemen during the third week of May, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
They comprised 1,500 anti-tank mines and 1,000 unexploded ordnances.
Masam is one of several initiatives undertaken by Saudi Arabia at the directive of King Salman to help ease the suffering of the Yemeni people.
It is implemented by Saudi cadres and international experts with the goal of removing mines planted by Iran-backed Houthi militias in various Yemeni regions, especially Marib, Aden, Al-Jawf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.
A total of 249,366 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 that aim to dismantle mines in Yemen to protect civilians and ensure that urgent humanitarian supplies are delivered safely.
It trains local demining engineers, supplies them with modern equipment and helps mine victims.
In 2020, Masam’s contract was extended for one year at a cost of $30 million.
Earlier, the director of Yemen’s National Mine Action Program thanked Saudi Arabia for clearing mines in Yemen.
