Project Masam’s teams operating in Yemen’s western Hays Directorate have cleared thousands of landmines and dozens of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Othman Al-Ghouri, Leader of Masam Team 20 which operated in this area south of Al Hodeidah that is heavily contaminated by landmines, confirmed Masam demining teams have cleared between 1,500 and 2,000 landmines and 20 IEDs since they arrived to carry out humanitarian mine clearance in this agricultural area.
“The landmines were planted inside the agricultural fields,” Al-Ghouri told Masam, adding that the teams had also cleared “a large amount of ammunition and war remnants”.
He added: “Work is still ongoing and Masam will continue next to the citizens until the areas are completely cleared and normal life returns”.
Still operating in Hays, Al-Ghouri’s team continues to carry out Mine Risk Awareness now that residents have returned after displacement.
“We send a message to all civilians of Hays Directorate not to tamper with or touch landmines and to report them to us immediately.
“Masam teams are present here and in Hays Directorate, and are there for civilians at any given moment.”
In August, Masam revealed how life in Hays was like “walking daily between life and death“.
Plagued by landmines, strategic Hays links three governorates of upmost importance: Al-Hodeidah, Ibb and Taiz. All three make up for one of the most contaminated areas in Yemen.
For civilians, the presence — and threat of — landmines continues to impede on the movement of humans, livestock and transportation.
Indeed, even after the frontlines shifted, local residents found themselves unable to use secondary roads, and tracks, which they were previously using as alternative routes to get around, transport goods and access healthcare and humanitarian aid.
By clearing minefields and other confirmed Hazardous Areas, Masam teams allow for civilians to return to a safe and productive life on the land they called home before the conflict erupted.
