Project Masam’s deminers have destroyed 1,071 landmines, and unexploded ordnance in the Wadi Dufs area of Zinjibar in Abyan Governorate, east of Aden, Yemen’s de facto capital.
Munther Qassem, Project Masam’s Special Task Team in the Aden sector, confirmed that the operation involved the detonation and destruction of 346 artillery shells and unexploded ordnance (UXO), 707 various types of armour-piercing ammunition, as well as six Houthi anti-tank mines, seven anti-personnel mines, and five improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Qassem explained that the explosive items were collected throughout October from several areas across three governorates, Abyan, Aden, and Lahj. The clearance effort followed reports from security authorities as well as local civilians, including shepherds and farmers.
The expert highlighted how the demolition process adhered to international safety standards for the disposal of mines and UXO. The operation was conducted in a remote location in the Dufs region, far from populated areas and agricultural lands.
Qassem also underlined that the safe disposal of these remnants of war is welcome by local communities, as these explosives pose significant risks to their safety. Removing them allows civilians to move freely and safely across their pastures, farms, and roads.
Since its launch in Yemen in mid-2018, Project Masam has conducted hundreds of bulk demolition operations for war remnants, including 19 operations in 2024 and four in October 2024 alone.
These operations are part of the project’s dedicated efforts to secure areas contaminated by landmines and unexploded ordnance, helping to protect civilians’ lives and enabling their safe return to their communities.
