Shabwa — Teams from the Masam Project, a Saudi humanitarian initiative dedicated to mine clearance in Yemen, have carried out the destruction of 315 explosive remnants of war (ERW) in various districts of Shabwa governorate during October.

The explosives included landmines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and unexploded ordnance (UXOs), many of which were planted in civilian areas, agricultural lands, and near roads, posing a serious threat to local communities.

According to Masam’s field operations team, the clearance and destruction process was conducted in coordination with Yemeni engineering units and followed international safety protocols. The explosives were collected and neutralized in controlled demolition sites away from populated areas.

Masam’s management emphasized that the operation is part of a broader campaign to secure liberated territories, facilitate the return of displaced families, and support reconstruction efforts. “Every device we remove is a life potentially saved,” said Osama Al-Gosaibi, Masam’s Managing Director.

Since its launch in 2018, the Masam Project has reportedly cleared tens of thousands of explosive devices across multiple Yemeni governorates, including Taiz, Marib, Al-Hudaydah, and Saada. The project has also trained local demining teams and provided technical support to national mine action authorities.

Shabwa, a resource-rich province in southern Yemen, has witnessed intense fighting in recent years, leaving behind a dangerous legacy of explosive contamination. Local officials have praised Masam’s efforts, calling for continued international support to expand clearance operations and protect civilians.

The destruction of the 315 devices this month marks a significant step toward restoring safety and mobility in affected communities, especially as Yemen continues to grapple with the humanitarian consequences of prolonged conflict.