A survey team from the Masam Landmine Clearance Project – Yemen has successfully removed several mines that were swept into the Al-Ajasher area of Kitaf district, Saada Governorate, by recent floods.
Saada is among Yemen’s most heavily mined governorates, where years of conflict have left widespread contamination. Seasonal floods often expose or displace buried explosives, increasing the danger for civilians and complicating clearance operations. In recent years, Project Masam has repeatedly warned of landmine migration – the movement of mines from their original locations due to rainfall and flooding – which creates new, unpredictable hazards in previously cleared or populated areas.
In a statement, Engineer Hussein Al-Aqili, leader of the Survery Team, explained that the team discovered and cleared 21 anti-vehicle mines and one improvised explosive device (IED) at the mouth of Wadi Al-Atafin, after floodwaters displaced them from their original locations.
He noted that the incident posed a direct threat to the lives and property of local residents.
Al-Aqili added that Project Masam’s demining teams continue to work at an accelerated pace to clear areas affected by mines and explosive remnants of war, particularly amid increased risks during the rainy season. He reaffirmed the project’s commitment to protecting civilians and restoring safety to contaminated areas.
