«مسام» يفكك نصف مليون لغم.. إنسانية السعودية تعيد الأمل لملايين اليمنيين

In confirmation of the leading humanitarian and brotherly role that Saudi Arabia plays in Yemen, the Saudi project "Masam" for mine clearance has successfully removed nearly half a million mines, unexploded ordnance, and explosive devices from various villages, roads, and farms in Yemen since its inception. This has contributed to restoring life to many areas and helped millions of Yemenis return to their homes and regions safely and freely.

The Director General of the "Masam" project for mine clearance in Yemen, Osama Al-Qusaibi, announced today (Sunday) the success of the project teams since its launch in clearing 497,544 mines, unexploded ordnance, and explosive devices, confirming that this total includes 335,947 unexploded ordnance and 8,235 explosive devices. He pointed out that the project continues to work at a high pace to save lives and clear Yemeni lands from hidden threats, explaining that the technical teams have removed 146,567 anti-tank mines and 6,801 anti-personnel mines in various areas of Yemen, including residential, agricultural, and vital corridors.

He noted that since its launch in June 2018, the project has managed to clear 67,432,996 square meters of Yemeni land that was littered with mines, ordnance, and explosive devices.

During the past month of May, the Masam project removed 7,400 mines, unexploded shells, and explosive devices that posed a threat to civilians in Yemen.

The "Masam" project in Yemen has received widespread welcome not only at the official level but also within the local community, including tribal components and vulnerable groups that rely on sheep herding and agriculture as a source of livelihood. However, these mines and explosive devices have turned their lives into hell over the past years and exacerbated their suffering. Following the successes achieved by the Masam project and the rapid response to any reports from citizens, hope has been restored for them to live in their areas, contributing to normalizing life, securing their movements and livestock, and enabling them to benefit from their farms and properties that had been abandoned for years.

Various segments of Yemeni society welcomed the announcement by the advisor at the Royal Court and General Supervisor of the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Works, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabiah, regarding the extension of the project, which he said comes within the framework of the "sense of humanitarian responsibility" placed on the center, confirming that the project faces one of the most random and complex mine-laying campaigns in the world, targeting civilians, including women and children.

Governor of Sana'a, Abdulqawi Ahmed Sharif, told "Okaz" that the pivotal and important role led by Saudi Arabia in Yemen has contributed to restoring life to many provinces, rural areas, and villages in Yemen, affirming that the Yemeni people highly appreciate the efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in caring for the lives and interests of the vulnerable segments of the Yemeni population. He pointed out that the Masam project, the King Salman Center, and the Saudi program for the development and reconstruction of Yemen are considered the pioneering and humanitarian hands that directly reach the most needy segments of the Yemeni people for humanitarian interventions, indicating that Yemenis thank the Kingdom of Humanity for its brotherly positions that prioritize the interests of peoples above all else, which we observe during our visits and direct meetings with civilians in various villages and rural areas.