The Saudi Project for Landmine Clearance in Yemen ("Masam") announced, on Wednesday, detonation of a substantial cache of (3,036) landmines and unexploded ordnance in the strategically important Bab al-Mandab region of southwestern Yemen. This operation underscores the project's persistent efforts to safeguard liberated territories and protect civilian populations from the deadly legacy of conflict.
According to a statement released by "Masam", the meticulously executed disposal operation eliminated a wide array of hazardous materials. This included 53 anti-tank mines and 49 anti-personnel mines, alongside a significant number of conventional munitions such as 97 shells of varying types and 7 improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Additionally, the operation neutralized 2,314 assorted rounds of ammunition, 490 detonators and fuses, 6 Katyusha rockets, two other rockets, and 18 bombs of different classifications.
"Masam" emphasized that this critical operation, conducted by its dedicated Second Special Tasks Team, forms part of the initiative's ongoing commitment to systematically clear Yemeni land of mines and the dangerous remnants of war. These efforts are crucial in fostering a secure and stable environment for Yemeni civilians.
The statement further highlighted the significant progress made by "Masam" teams, who have now successfully cleared an expansive 66,860,348 square meters of Yemeni territory. This extensive clearance work has played a vital role in bringing a sense of normalcy and renewed hope to numerous communities previously threatened by explosive contamination.
In a prior communication, "Masam" reported that the total number of mines removed since the project's inception had reached a staggering 493,256 as of May 12th. These indiscriminately planted mines across Yemen have tragically claimed the lives of vulnerable individuals, including children, women, and the elderly, while sowing widespread fear among the civilian population.
Disturbing figures from United Nations reports estimate that approximately two million landmines have been deployed by the Houthi group, an entity internationally designated as a terrorist organization, across various regions they have controlled. These deadly devices have resulted in over 20,000 civilian casualties, with women and children disproportionately affected.
