RIYADH: A Saudi-led humanitarian initiative in Yemen has cleared 486,651 land mines and unexploded ordnance since the project began in mid-2018, according to a recent report.
These include 325,378 items of unexploded ordnance, 146,285 anti-tank mines, 8,212 improvised explosive devices, and 6,776 anti-personnel mines, according to Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the project’s managing director.
Project Masam, overseen by the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, continues to remove deadly devices laid in Yemen by the Houthis. These explosives pose a threat to civilians, including children, women, and the elderly.
Last week, the project’s special teams destroyed 511 items of unexploded ordnance, 23 anti-tank mines, six anti-personnel mines, and three improvised explosive devices.
The project is carried out by Saudi personnel and international experts, with a team of 550 staff and 32 trained clearance teams working to remove various types of mines and ordnance, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Demining operations have taken place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale, and Saada.
The initiative also trains local demining engineers and equips them with modern tools. Additionally, it provides support to Yemenis injured by these devices.
“Every mine removed is a life potentially saved, a home reclaimed, a future restored. Demining is not just about removing explosives; it is about restoring hope, stability, and economic recovery,” Al-Gosaibi said.
Since the conflict began, about 5 million people have been displaced in Yemen, many due to land mines. Masam teams work to clear villages, roads and schools, enabling the safe movement of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
