RIYADH: The Saudi Project for Landmine Clearance (Masam) dismantled 1,419 mines in Yemen during the fourth week of January.
They comprised seven anti-personnel mines, 259 anti-tank mines, 1,143 unexploded ordnances and 10 explosive devices.
Masam is one of several initiatives undertaken by Saudi Arabia on the directive of King Salman to help ease the suffering of the Yemeni people.
It is implemented by Saudi cadres and international experts to remove mines planted by Iran-backed Houthi militias in various Yemeni regions, especially Marib, Aden, Sanaa and Taiz.
A total of 214,437 mines have been extracted since the start of the project. More than 1.1 million mines have been planted by the Houthis, claiming hundreds of civilian lives.
Masam has 32 demining teams, and aims to dismantle mines in Yemen to protect civilians and ensure that urgent humanitarian supplies are delivered safely. It trains local demining engineers, gives them modern equipment and helps mine victims.
In 2020, Masam’s contract was extended for one year at a cost of $30 million. Most landmines retrieved by Masam are locally made, while others originate in Iran.
