Saudi Project Masam Destroys Over 4,000 Explosive Remnants in Yemen’s Abyan Region

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s mine clearance initiative, Project Masam, has destroyed 4,199 mines, unexploded ordnance, and other remnants of war in Yemen’s Abyan governorate as efforts continue to secure civilian areas from deadly explosives.

The latest operation was carried out on Thursday in the Dofas area of the Zinjibar district, targeting devices left behind in conflict-affected zones, according to an official statement.

Members of the program’s military engineering teams destroyed a wide range of explosive materials, including 15 anti-tank mines, 15 anti-personnel mines, 102 artillery shells, three improvised explosive devices, 4,056 bullets, 15 hand grenades, and three missiles.

The items were collected from several governorates, including Aden, Lahj, and Abyan, which have been heavily impacted by ongoing conflict.

Project Masam, overseen by Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief, has been conducting demining operations across Yemen since mid-2018. To date, the initiative has cleared more than 553,828 explosive hazards nationwide.

Officials say the program plays a vital role in enabling displaced families to return home safely, allowing farmers to resume agricultural activities, and improving access for humanitarian organizations operating in affected areas.

Commander of the first special task force, Munther Ahmed Qasim, said the teams work continuously throughout the year to eliminate mine threats and protect civilian lives.

He reiterated the mission’s commitment to clearing all Yemeni territory of explosive remnants of war and ensuring safer conditions for local communities.