King Salman Humanitarian Aid Project Achieves Milestone in Mine Clearance Operations
In early May 2025, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center initiated a significant operation through its demining project “Masam,” successfully removing a total of 1,839 explosive devices across various regions in Yemen. Among these, the team extracted 26 anti-tank mines and 1,813 unexploded ordnance (UXO).
The dedicated “Masam” team made notable advancements in several provinces. In the governorate of Aden, the frontline personnel successfully cleared 1,650 unexploded munitions. Meanwhile, in Al Hudaydah governorate, 12 UXOs were removed from the district of Hays, alongside one anti-tank mine from the district of Al Khawkhah. The team also worked in Lahij, where they extracted eight unexploded devices from the district of Al Wahd, in addition to two anti-tank mines located in the district of Al Madharibah.
Further north, in the Marib governorate, the team was able to dispose of 22 anti-tank mines. Operations in Shabwa yielded the removal of 20 UXOs from the district of Aseelan. The team also contributed to the safety efforts in Taiz, where they cleared one anti-tank mine, in addition to 107 unexploded devices in the district of Dhubab, and 16 UXOs from the district of Al-Muafqar.
As a result of these ongoing efforts, the total number of mines cleared since the inception of the “Masam” project has now reached an impressive 491,983. This initiative aims to eliminate the hazardous remnants of conflict that have been indiscriminately planted across Yemen, primarily targeting innocent civilians, including children, women, and the elderly. The persistence of these explosive remnants not only threatens lives but also instills fear among communities striving to regain stability and safety.
The “Masam” project, launched in 2018, has been crucial in addressing the widespread issues caused by landmines and unexploded ordnance in Yemen. These devices have jeopardized humanitarian efforts and hindered the return to normalcy in many regions of the war-torn country. By providing effective demining services, “Masam” seeks to pave the way for safe resettlement, agricultural recovery, and the restoration of everyday life for the Yemeni people.
The initiative is a testament to the commitment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to humanitarian relief and peace-building efforts in Yemen. By focusing on demilitarization, the project aims to foster a secure environment conducive to rebuilding and rehabilitation for communities affected by years of conflict.
Demining operations not only save lives but also signify a broader effort towards promoting peace in the region. As the numbers of eliminated mines and unexploded devices increase, the potential for communities to safely reclaim their land grows stronger. The clear message behind this initiative is one of hope—that the future of Yemen can be rebuilt free from the shadows of war.
Through the relentless dedication of the “Masam” team, the harrowing toll that landmines have taken on the Yemeni population is being addressed with urgency and compassion. Each mine removed is a step toward healing and recovery, a stride away from the anxiety and danger that have plagued countless families.
The humanitarian impact of these operations cannot be underestimated. With each successful clearance, families are beginning to picture a life without the constant fear of explosive remnants, while the path to reconstruction of their communities appears increasingly achievable.
As the project continues to gain momentum, the aspiration towards a mine-free Yemen symbolizes not just the end of physical threats but the hope for renewed peace and stability in a nation yearning for a brighter future.
