Project Masam’s demining Team 27 has removed five anti-tank landmines from sheep pastures in Wadi Silah, located in the Hays district of Hudaydah governorate, in western Yemen.
The team travelled to the site in response to a report from the local sheikh, who alerted the team leader to suspicions regarding the presence of mines in the area following several previous explosions.
In a statement, team leader Ahmed Thabet confirmed that the landmines were discovered during a survey of the suspicious area, where they were hidden among dense trees.
“Wadi Sila is one of the most dangerous areas, where several shepherds and their sheep have been injured by mines,” he said.
Thabet also highlighted the challenges the team faced while working in this area, including the dense trees that obstructed their efforts and the high temperatures.
The deminer emphasised that the team is not only focused on clearing mines but also implements awareness programmes for the residents of the Hays district – one of Yemen’s most heavily landmine-contaminated regions.
These initiatives have significantly raised community awareness, encouraging civilians to report any foreign objects or areas where mines are suspected to Project Masam demining teams.