Al-Hobeisana Hill rises high above the city of Taiz. Once a military stronghold for Houthi forces, it is now a dangerous area contaminated with landmines and explosive devices left from years of conflict.
Taiz has been one of Yemen’s most fiercely contested cities since the war began in 2015. Its strategic position linking northern and southern Yemen and its access to the Red Sea made it a key battleground, and Houthi forces fortified surrounding high ground such as Al-Hobeisana Hill with landmines and explosive devices.
Although the hill was liberated several years ago, landmines continue to threaten civilians and their livestock. In March 2016, resident Tammam Mansour Mohammed Abdo Al-Fatesh lost his right foot when a mine exploded. In 2024, new explosions killed sheep and renewed local calls for clearance.
Responding to these appeals, Project Masam’s Team 22 began a field clearance mission at Al-Hobeisana Hill, one of the most hazardous sites in Taiz Governorate. Team leader Engineer Mohammed Al-Shar’abi said the hill is important because of its strategic location and because it serves as a key route for local residents. Clearing it is therefore a priority for public safety.
Since starting work, the team has cleared about 5,800 square metres of land and found four anti-personnel mines along with 85 pieces of unexploded ordnance, including fuses and missiles.
The mission has been challenging. The site’s rugged terrain and distance from paved roads force the team to work long hours in difficult conditions. Seasonal monsoon rains have further complicated detection by saturating the soil, increasing vegetation, and spreading debris.
Despite these obstacles, the team continues its humanitarian work as part of Project Masam, which aims to clear Yemen of mines and other remnants of war and to provide civilians with safe land.
Al-Hobeisana Hill is not yet completely secure, but significant sections have now been cleared. Work is ongoing to remove the remaining explosives and turn the hill from a dangerous hotspot into a safe area for residents.
