Marib – In a major humanitarian milestone, Yemen’s internationally recognized mine clearance initiative, Project Masam, has announced the removal of more than 500,000 landmines, unexploded ordnance, and improvised explosive devices across the country over the past seven years.

Launched in mid-2018, the Saudi-funded project has cleared over 70 million square meters of contaminated land, restoring access to roads, schools, farms, and residential areas once rendered deadly by remnants of war.

According to Project Masam’s Managing Director, Osama Al-Qusaybi, the total number of neutralized explosive threats includes:

- 147,202 anti-tank mines

- 6,856 anti-personnel mines

- 351,859 unexploded munitions (UXO)

- 8,276 improvised explosive devices (IEDs)

“These devices were planted indiscriminately, often in civilian zones, by Houthi militias,” Al-Qusaybi stated. “Our teams have worked tirelessly to protect lives and enable displaced families to return home.”

The presence of landmines has displaced millions of Yemenis since the escalation of conflict in 2014. Many regions remain inaccessible due to the high density of buried explosives, posing ongoing risks to civilians, particularly children and farmers.

Project Masam operates with over 30 specialized demining teams and has received international recognition for its role in reducing civilian casualties and supporting post-conflict recovery. The initiative also provides prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation services to landmine victims through affiliated medical centers.
Despite the progress, humanitarian experts warn that Yemen remains one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, and sustained international support is essential to continue clearance operations and prevent further tragedies.