Saudi project clears 171,731 mines in Yemen

Photo/SPA

• Masam aims to dismantle mines in Yemen to protect civilians and ensure that urgent humanitarian supplies are delivered safely

JEDDAH: The Saudi Project for Landmine Clearance (Masam) in Yemen dismantled 25 anti-personnel mines, 363 anti-tank mines, 24 explosive devices and 773 unexploded ordnance — totaling 1,185 mines — during the fourth week of June.
The project is implemented by Saudi cadres and international experts to remove mines planted by Houthi militias in Yemeni regions, especially Marib, Aden, Sanaa and Taiz.
A total of 171,731 mines have been extracted since the beginning of the project. More than 1.1 million mines have been planted by Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen during the conflict, claiming hundreds of civilian lives.
Masam aims to dismantle mines in Yemen to protect civilians and ensure that urgent humanitarian supplies are delivered safely. Houthis are developing anti-vehicle mines and turning them into antipersonnel explosives to intimidate and terrorize civilians. The Masam project is one of several initiatives undertaken by the Kingdom, on the directive of King Salman, to help ease the suffering of Yemeni people.