Shabwa — Saudi Arabia’s Masam Humanitarian Demining Project has announced the successful clearance of landmines from the ancient city of Timna, located in the Usaylan District of Shabwa Governorate, southern Yemen. The operation marks a major milestone in efforts to protect Yemen’s cultural heritage and ensure civilian safety in historically significant areas.

Timna, once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Qataban, is considered one of Yemen’s most important archaeological sites. The city flourished between the 8th century BCE and the 2nd century CE, renowned for its trade in frankincense and myrrh and its sophisticated architecture. However, in recent years, the site was transformed into a minefield by Houthi militias during their occupation of the region.

Masam’s demining teams worked intensively to remove explosive remnants and restore safe access to the site. The clearance operation involved the detection and destruction of anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, as well as unexploded ordnance, which posed a severe threat to local communities and archaeological missions.

“This achievement reflects our commitment to preserving Yemen’s history and protecting its people from the deadly legacy of war,” said a Masam spokesperson. “Timna is not just a historical treasure—it’s a symbol of Yemen’s resilience and cultural identity.”

The project, funded and managed by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), has cleared over 450,000 mines and explosive devices across Yemen since its launch in 2018. The clearance of Timna is part of a broader campaign to secure heritage sites and enable humanitarian access in previously inaccessible areas.

Local officials and heritage experts have welcomed the move, calling for increased international support to rehabilitate and protect Yemen’s archaeological landmarks. The clearance of Timna opens the door for future restoration efforts and potential tourism development, pending security and stability.