Yemen Mine Clearance Project Reports 600,000 Devices Removed Amid Resurgence of Planting

Yemen's Masam project for demining has successfully removed 600,000 mines, explosive devices, and unexploded ordnance since its operations began in mid-2018. However, the project has issued a grave warning regarding the re-planting of mines in previously cleared and secured areas, which poses significant additional challenges to efforts to secure land and protect civilians.

Osama Al-Qasebi, the Director General of the Masam project, stated in an interview with the Saudi media platform "Qal wa Dal" that recent events in Yemen have considerably impacted the project's operations. He highlighted that the re-planting of mines and explosive devices has been observed in several areas that had previously been cleared and secured.

Al-Qasebi identified the Houthi militia as responsible for these re-planting operations. He explained that the militia deploys large numbers of mines in areas before withdrawing, creating renewed challenges for demining teams and re-endangering populations in areas previously declared safe. He also noted that the actual quantity of mines planted in Yemen remains unknown due to the absence of official maps and statistics detailing their locations and numbers. Previous estimates suggested approximately two million mines, but recent planting activities make assessing the current threat level more difficult.

The removal of 600,000 devices was described by Al-Qasebi as an achievement made possible by the dedicated efforts and significant sacrifices of the engineering teams and personnel working on the project during field clearance operations.

He clarified that Masam is a purely Saudi project, fully funded by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and operating under the umbrella of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre. The project commenced its operations in Yemen in mid-2018 and is now entering its ninth year of confronting the dangers of landmines.

Al-Qasebi emphasized that mines in Yemen were planted indiscriminately and on a wide scale, extending beyond active combat fronts to include residential neighborhoods, farms, schools, mosque entrances, and water sources, thus posing a direct threat to civilian lives and livelihoods. He affirmed Masam's continued commitment to its operations for mine removal and clearing of war remnants, aiming to reduce casualties and assist affected communities in regaining security and stability.