In a remarkable stride towards restoring safety in Yemen, the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Activities’ “MASAM” project succeeded in removing a staggering 746 landmines from various regions in Yemen within the second week of October 2023.
The haul comprised two anti-personnel mines, 113 anti-tank mines, and 631 unexploded ordnances. A statement relayed by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) highlighted the project’s accomplishments in specific areas:
In Aden Governorate, the team deactivated 256 unexploded ordnances.
In Al Dhale’s Hajr District, one anti-personnel mine was removed.
The team in Al Hudaydah Governorate extracted 15 unexploded ordnances in Al Khawkhah District, and three unexploded ordnances and an anti-tank mine in Hays District.
In Ma’rib Governorate, the team successfully neutralized 300 unexploded ordnances and 100 anti-tank mines.
In Shabwah’s Usaylan District, three anti-tank mines were eradicated.
In Taiz Governorate, “MASAM” team managed to clear four anti-tank mines and 13 unexploded ordnances in Al Mandab District, two anti-tank mines and 36 unexploded ordnances in Al Mukha District, one anti-personnel mine in Sabr District, and three anti-tank mines and eight unexploded ordnances in Dhubab District.
With these efforts, the total count of mines removed in October skyrockets to 1,476. Since the inception of the “MASAM” project, a remarkable total of 418,579 mines, which were indiscriminately laid across various Yemeni territories to inflict harm on innocent victims—including children, women, and the elderly—have been successfully removed.
Landmines in Yemen have posed a significant threat to civilians, obstructing reconstruction efforts and normalcy in a country already tormented by war. The “MASAM” project, initiated by the King Salman Center, signifies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to humanitarian efforts in the region, ensuring a safer environment for the Yemeni populace.
