Project Masam is proud to announce the extension of its contract to rid Yemen of landmines for the seventh consecutive year.
Ousama Algosaibi, Project Masam’s Managing Director, has announced the project’s contract extension for a seventh 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.
To enhance the security measures in the region and ensure Yemen can rebuild and find stability, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia launched the Project for Landmine Clearance Masam in December 2017, in agreement with the Yemeni government.
Reacting to the extension announcement by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, Algosaibi said in a press release that the project has successfully carried out its humanitarian landmine clearance operations over the past six years, safely achieving high-performance rates in all its demining activities.
In the release, the managing director extended his deepest thanks and gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their support in helping Yemen eliminate the dangers posed by landmines and remnants of war.
Algosaibi noted that this ridding Yemen of deadly landmines is a challenging task by any standards, as the total number of explosive items removed since the project’s launch until the end of last week reached 450,919.
The managing director highlighted how the project’s work strategy is built on solid foundations, derived from extensive studies of the threats posed by various types of landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), as well as the challenging terrain of Yemen.
This approach necessitates intensified human and material efforts, particularly in light of ongoing military operations and the Houthis’ continued planting of explosives in civilian areas and facilities.
Algosaibi stated that Project Masam’s seventh year of operations in Yemen perpetuates the project’s efforts that began in mid-June 2018, with a strong emphasis on localisation through enhanced training and logistical support.
The managing director views landmines in Yemen as “a significant disaster that endangers the present and future of the Yemeni people”. He added that the decision to extend the work of Project Masam reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting its neighbours in this critical issue.
Ahead of the upcoming year, Algosaibi called for uniting efforts and establishing channels of communication, cooperation, and information exchange among all international mine clearance programmes operating in the country.
In this context, Algosaibi praised the strategic partnership with the National Mine Action Programme in Yemen (YEMAC), highlighting the achievements resulting from their collaboration in fulfilling the tasks assigned to both of organisations.
Concluding, Algosaibi expressed his gratitude and appreciation to His Excellency Dr. Rashad Mohamed Al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council of Yemen, His Excellency Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, all members of the Yemeni government, executive bodies, and local councils. He also thanked all Yemeni civilians for their cooperation and support of the project’s educational and awareness campaigns, which have enabled Project Masam to fully carry out its humanitarian landmine clearance mission.
