Project Masam is proud to announce the extension of its contract to rid Yemen of landmines for the eighth consecutive year.
Ousama Algosaibi, Project Masam’s Managing Director, has announced the project’s contract extension for an eighth consecutive year, and thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its support and desire to continue Project Masam’s humanitarian landmine clearance efforts across Yemen.
In a press statement issued on the occasion of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief)’s announcement of Project Masam’s contract extension, Algosaibi extended his sincere thanks and profound gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The initiative stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s enduring humanitarian commitment to supporting the people of the Republic of Yemen, he said.
Algosaibi stated that since its launch in mid-2018, Project Masam has been dedicated to clearing Yemen of one of the most lethal threats employed by Houthi militias against civilians: landmines and explosive devices. He expressed deep appreciation for the support and cooperation extended to the project by His Excellency Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, as well as the Yemeni government across all its institutions and sectors.
The Managing Director highlighted how the initiative has successfully removed more than 495,855 landmines, unexploded ordnance, and improvised explosive devices, and cleared over 67,244,455 square metres of land in Yemen. These areas had been heavily contaminated by explosive devices indiscriminately planted by the Houthis – and affiliate groups -, resulting in the tragic deaths of thousands of innocent civilians, including children, women, and the elderly.
“These figures represent significant achievements by international standards in the field of mine clearance,” he said. “While they offer a glimmer of hope in freeing Yemenis from the dangers of these deadly devices, they also reveal the brutality of a terrorist group that has not hesitated to target all segments of the Yemeni population through the indiscriminate planting of landmines.”
Algosaibi affirmed that Project Masam, guided by the commitment and dedication of its entire team, operates according to a clear methodology that prioritises the needs of the local community – specifically ensuring that residents can move freely and carry out their daily lives safely, far from the dangers posed by remnants of war (both legal and illegal).
He also expressed his appreciation for the cooperation of Yemeni civilians with the project, especially through the reports they submit and their adherence to Project Masam’s safety and security guidelines in contaminated or suspected areas.
Algosaibi concluded his statement by expressing his gratitude and appreciation to Project Masam’s local partner, the National Mine Action Center (YEMAC), noting that the strength of this partnership and continued cooperation have played a vital role in enabling the project to achieve its high levels of performance and operational success.
