RIYADH: In the period spanning March 9 to 15, Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam successfully eliminated 658 mines in Yemen, which had been planted by the Houthi militia, as per a recent report.
Managed by the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief, specialized teams within the project neutralized 573 pieces of unexploded ordnance along with 85 anti-tank mines.
These explosives, scattered indiscriminately by the Houthis throughout Yemen, posed grave threats to civilians, including vulnerable groups such as children, women, and the elderly.
Project Masam, initiated at the behest of King Salman, forms part of Saudi Arabia’s multifaceted efforts to clear pathways for humanitarian assistance to reach Yemeni citizens.
The demining activities were conducted across various regions including Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale, and Saada.
Since its inception in 2018, a total of 435,234 mines have been cleared under the guidance of Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the project’s director. This figure encompasses 276,980 unexploded ordnance, 143,760 anti-tank mines, 8,001 improvised explosive devices, and 6,493 anti-personnel mines.
The initiative not only focuses on removing hazardous devices but also involves training local demining engineers and equipping them with state-of-the-art tools. Furthermore, it extends support to Yemeni individuals injured by these devices.
The conflict in Yemen has displaced approximately 5 million people, with landmines being a significant factor contributing to displacement.
Masam teams work diligently to clear villages, roads, and schools, ensuring the safe movement of civilians and facilitating the delivery of vital humanitarian aid.
In June 2023, the project’s contract was renewed for another year, with a budget of $33.29 million allocated to sustain its critical efforts
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