Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam: Clearing the Path to Safety in Yemen
In a recent report, it was revealed that Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam successfully cleared 629 mines in Yemen that had been planted by the Houthi militia between March 16 and 22. This crucial operation was overseen by the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief, with special teams working tirelessly to eliminate the threat posed by these explosives.
The teams managed to destroy a total of 520 unexploded ordnance, 105 anti-tank mines, and four improvised explosive devices, all of which were scattered across Yemen by the Houthis without regard for civilian safety. These mines posed a grave danger to children, women, and the elderly in the region.
Project Masam, a key initiative spearheaded by Saudi Arabia at the request of King Salman, has been instrumental in clearing routes for humanitarian aid to reach the citizens of Yemen. The demining operations were carried out in various regions including Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale, and Saada.
Since its inception in 2018, Project Masam has successfully cleared a staggering total of 435,863 mines, as reported by Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the project’s managing director. The initiative not only focuses on demining but also involves training local engineers and providing them with modern equipment, as well as offering support to those injured by these lethal devices.
The conflict in Yemen has forced approximately 5 million people to flee their homes, with many displaced due to the presence of landmines. Masam teams are dedicated to clearing villages, roads, and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid.