King Salman Humanitarian Aid Center’s “Masam” Project Achieves Major Milestone in De-mining Efforts in Yemen
In the fifth week of May 2025, the “Masam” project, an initiative of the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Works, made significant strides in clearing Yemen’s landmines. The team successfully extracted a total of 1,689 explosive devices from various regions across the country. This number includes 50 anti-tank mines, seven anti-personnel mines, and 1,632 unexploded munitions.
The de-mining operations concentrated in several provinces, with notable progress in the following areas:
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Aden: Here, the team dismantled 1,562 unexploded munitions, showcasing a focused effort in a region affected by conflict.
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Al Hudaydah: The Masam team neutralized one anti-tank mine along with three unexploded munitions in the district of Hays. Additionally, in the district of Al Khawkhah, another anti-tank mine and one unexploded device were removed.
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Lahj: Efforts in this province included the disposal of one unexploded munition in the district of Tuban, followed by five more unexploded devices in Al Wahdah district. The team also removed one anti-personnel mine, three anti-tank mines, and another unexploded munition in the district of Al Madharibah.
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Mareb: The Masam team continued its mission here by successfully disarming 42 anti-tank mines, a critical contribution to enhancing safety in the area.
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Shabwa: Operations in this province resulted in the disposal of one anti-tank mine and 12 unexploded munitions in the district of Aseelan. Furthermore, four anti-personnel mines were deactivated in the district of Baheban.
- Taiz: In this region, two anti-personnel mines and two anti-tank mines were extracted, along with 25 unexploded munitions in the district of Dhobabah. Additionally, 22 unexploded devices were neutralized in the Mukafur district.
As a result of these extensive efforts, the total number of de-mined explosive devices in May alone has reached 7,400. Since the Masam project commenced, a monumental total of 497,544 mines and unexploded ordnance have been removed from Yemen’s war-torn landscape. These hazardous devices were previously scattered indiscriminately, posing lethal threats to civilians, particularly innocent children, women, and the elderly, while instilling fear in the hearts of those striving for safety and security.
The dire situation in Yemen, exacerbated by years of conflict, has led to widespread mine contamination, severely endangering lives and hindering humanitarian efforts. The Masam project’s ongoing successes underscore the critical necessity of such initiatives in restoring safety and stability to affected communities. By effectively neutralizing these threats, the project not only aims to safeguard lives but also works towards rebuilding trust and fostering peace in a nation yearning for normalcy.
The commitment of the Masam team exemplifies the resilience and determination of those involved in humanitarian efforts. As they continue tackling this pressing issue, the ramifications of their work extend beyond mere statistics. Each mine removed represents a life potentially saved and a step closer to a peaceful future for Yemen.
Continued support and international cooperation remain essential in the efforts to rid Yemen of the remnants of conflict, enabling communities to heal and rebuild in a safer environment. The King Salman Center’s Masam project serves as an inspiring model for similar initiatives worldwide, demonstrating the profound impact that targeted humanitarian actions can have in conflict-affected regions.
