One of Project Masam’s demining teams has successfully uncovered a new minefield in the Bani Zuhair area of Hays District, located in Yemen’s Hudaydah Governorate.
Bani Zuhair remains one of the most heavily mined areas in Hudaydah. Despite ongoing awareness campaigns, the random and widespread planting of mines continues to hinder clearance efforts.
Team 27 safely handled two homemade anti-tank mines, discovered along a main road frequently used by farmers and local residents.
Team Leader Ahmed Thabet stated that the mines were deliberately planted to target civilians and their properties, emphasising that their placement on a repeatedly traveled route highlights the militias’ intentional threat to civilian lives. He added that the danger was further compounded by the mines’ deteriorating condition, with structural erosion and leakage of explosive materials increasing the risk.
Thabet also indicated that the team encountered technical challenges during the operation.
One mine had its detonator directly attached to the main body, while the second mine was damaged and cracked, making the removal of its detonator impossible. As a result, a specialised detonation team had to be called in to safely neutralise the threat.
Thabet stressed the need to intensify field campaigns in close coordination with local communities to ensure their safety.
