Aden, December 31, 2024 – The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continues to make significant progress in its life-saving efforts with the Masam Landmine Clearing Project, which successfully dismantled 3,174 mines across various regions of Yemen during the fourth week of December 2024. This major operation, which took place in areas heavily affected by the ongoing conflict, involved the removal of three anti-personnel mines, seven anti-tank mines, and a staggering 3,164 unexploded ordnances (UXOs).
Since the project’s launch, a total of 476,432 landmines and UXOs planted by Houthi militias have been safely dismantled. These mines, which were indiscriminately planted throughout Yemen’s rural and urban areas, have caused immense suffering to the civilian population, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, women, and the elderly. Many of these devices were placed in residential areas, farms, and vital infrastructure, making daily life perilous and hindering the country’s recovery efforts.
The Masam project, which is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian commitment through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), is a crucial component in the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to assist Yemen in overcoming the devastating impacts of the conflict. The clearance operations not only ensure the safety of civilians, allowing them to return to their homes and livelihoods, but also contribute to the stabilization and rebuilding of the country.
The dismantling of these mines is not only a technical achievement but also a profound humanitarian effort, as it helps to reduce the risk of injury and death for countless civilians who have been living in constant fear. The project also facilitates the rehabilitation of agricultural lands, roads, and public spaces that had been rendered unusable due to the presence of mines and unexploded ordnance.
As of December 2024, Masam has successfully cleared large swathes of land across Yemen, helping to create safer environments for displaced persons and enabling the safe passage of humanitarian aid. The ongoing efforts of KSrelief’s mine clearance team are crucial to restoring stability in Yemen, and their work is seen as an essential step in the country’s long-term recovery process.
The project, which works in close cooperation with local authorities and international organizations, has proven to be one of the most effective mine-clearing initiatives in the region. KSrelief’s commitment to demining efforts continues to demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s strong dedication to improving the lives of the Yemeni people, providing hope for a safer, more prosperous future. Through these continued efforts, KSrelief is not only clearing physical landmines but is also contributing to the long-term rebuilding and healing process for the people of Yemen.