Saudi project clears 1,207 Houthi mines in Yemen

KSRelief’s Masam project during the second week of 203 cleared 1,207 mines planted by the Houthi militia across Yemen. (SPA)
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Updated 18 January 2023
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Saudi project clears 1,207 Houthi mines in Yemen

  • Masam demining teams have destroyed more than 382k devices since project began

RIYADH: Implemented by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, the Saudi Project for Landmine Clearance in Yemen dismantled 1,207 Houthi mines in the second week of January.

This figure includes 14 anti-personnel mines, 115 anti-tank mines, 1,077 unexploded ordinances and one explosive device, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The project, also known as Masam, is one of several initiatives undertaken by Saudi Arabia on the orders of King Salman to help ease the suffering of the Yemeni people.

It clears routes for much-needed humanitarian aid aimed at supporting the country’s embattled citizens.

The demining took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

A total of 382,094 mines have been cleared since the start of the project.

More than 1.2 million mines have been planted by the Houthis, claiming the lives of hundreds of civilians.

The Saudi project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also provides support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

In June 2022, the project’s contract was extended for another year at a cost of $33.29 million.


Kingdom drives global efforts on space debris

Updated 2 min 12 sec ago
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Kingdom drives global efforts on space debris

  • 75 countries gather in Riyadh to address orbital risks, promote sustainable space use
  • DebriSolver competition highlights innovative solutions for orbital safety

RIYADH: The Saudi Space Agency will host the second Space Debris Conference in Riyadh on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two-day event will bring together experts, decision-makers, and representatives from 75 countries, including governments, international organizations, and specialized space companies.

The conference is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to unify international initiatives addressing the growing challenges of space debris and to promote the sustainable use of outer space as a shared resource.

It aims to protect space activities and orbital infrastructure while supporting the growth of the global space economy, the SPA added.

Held with the support of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs and in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union, the conference highlights the importance of international cooperation and effective governance frameworks to mitigate space debris risks and ensure a safe, sustainable space environment.

The event seeks to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for space sustainability by enhancing international coordination on space debris issues.

It also highlights the Saudi Space Agency’s role in promoting policies and initiatives that safeguard the future of the space economy, the SPA reported.

Key objectives of the conference include raising global awareness of space debris risks, reviewing related legislation and policies, fostering research and innovation, and developing effective international governance mechanisms to ensure the responsible and sustainable use of orbital environments.

The conference will feature panel discussions and keynote speeches on themes including space sustainability, protection of the global space economy, strengthening international cooperation, and showcasing innovations, partnerships, and operational solutions to address space debris challenges.

A highlight of the event is the DebriSolver competition, an international platform encouraging applied innovation in space debris mitigation.

Leading experts and international judges will evaluate innovative solutions against the highest scientific and technical standards, supporting the transition from research concepts to practical, deployable solutions.

By hosting the conference, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its leading role in supporting international space initiatives, strengthening public-private partnerships, and shaping the future of the global space community.

This aligns with the objectives of Vision 2030, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for the space economy and sustainability, the SPA stated.

The first edition, held in Riyadh in 2024, attracted participants from more than 50 countries, along with international organizations and global companies, and concluded with recommendations to raise awareness of the importance of managing space debris.