On Thursday, December 5, 2024, the Saudi project for clearing landmines in Yemen, known as Masam, reported that its engineering teams have destroyed 1,359 pieces of unexploded ordnance left behind by the Houthi movement in the Dufas area of Zinjibar District, Abyan Governorate.

According to the special operations team leader in the Aden sector, Munther Qassem, the team conducted a controlled detonation of 567 shells and unexploded munitions, along with 773 various fuses, five anti-tank mines, two air-to-ground missiles, 11 Katyusha rockets, and one large shell.

Qassem stated in comments relayed by the Masam media office that these explosives were collected throughout November from several areas in response to reports from security authorities and local residents.

The destruction process was carried out in accordance with international standards for the safe disposal of landmines and war remnants, at a site distant from populated areas and agricultural lands in the Dufas region.

He emphasized that these remnants pose a significant threat to civilian lives, and their removal enables safer movement for residents in their pastures, farms, and along roads.

UN reports indicate that approximately two million landmines have been planted by the Houthi movement in various regions under their control, resulting in the deaths and injuries of over 20,000 civilians, the majority of whom are women and children. rights reports accuse the Houthis of turning Yemen into the largest minefield in history after planting more than two million mines. Rights organizations have repeatedly urged the Houthi group to provide maps of the landmines they have planted to the organizations working in demining efforts.