Yemen Mine Clearance Project Removes Over 8,000 Explosive Items in February

The Masam mine clearance project in Yemen announced the removal of more than 8,000 landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during February, underscoring the pervasive contamination from war remnants across several regions.

The project, detailed in a statement released by its media office, confirmed that specialized task forces cleared 8,447 explosive objects between the beginning of the month and February 27. This total included 7,023 pieces of unexploded ordnance and 1,330 anti-tank mines, in addition to locally manufactured IEDs.

Engineering teams intensified their field operations during the final week of the month, removing 1,765 mines, UXO, and IEDs in one week, with the last week accounting for 1,745 pieces of unexploded ordnance. These operations were concentrated in villages, roadways, and vital areas.

Furthermore, the Masam project reported that its specialized teams managed to clear 739,023 square meters of land from the beginning of the month through the 27th, as part of a broader strategy to secure affected areas and establish safe zones for the civilian population.

In the border district of Midi, the statement noted that the teams have removed a total of 8,253 mines, UXO, and IEDs since commencing operations there, highlighting the significant challenges present in one of the conflict's most contaminated zones.

The Masam project, which receives support from Saudi Arabia, is engaged in demining and clearing unexploded ordnance across numerous Yemeni governorates. Its mission aims to mitigate civilian casualties, reopen transportation routes, and facilitate the resumption of agricultural and essential services in the impacted territories.