Project Masam’s deminers have destroyed 1,256 landmines, and unexploded ordnance in the Wadi Dufs area of Zinjibar in Abyan Governorate, east of Aden, Yemen’s de facto capital.
In alignment with the global mine action sector, Project Masam’s responsibilities include the clearance, removal or destruction of landmines stockpile and explosive remnants of war.
During this bulk demolition operation, the team demolished 224 unexploded shells and unexploded ordnance (UXO), 709 miscellaneous fuses, 111 unexploded armour-piercing projectiles, 208 assorted artillery rounds, and four anti-tank mines.
This effort is part of the ongoing initiative to clear affected areas and ensure the safety of local residents.
Munther Qassem, Project Masam’s Special Task Team (STT) in the Aden sector, explained that these munitions were collected from villages and areas in Abyan, Lajj, and Aden in December 2024, following reports from local residents and government authorities.
The destroyed UXO had posed significant risks to civilian life, threatening agricultural activities, disrupting local markets, and endangering roadways, Qassem noted.
These efforts are even more urgent in light of a recent incident in the Basateen area of Dar Saad district in Aden governorate.
Last week, an explosion occurred at a scrap yard when workers unknowingly struck an unexploded shell. The blast resulted in the death of one worker and left 10 others with varying degrees of injury, including the amputation of the lower and upper limbs.
This tragic event underscores the critical role of Project Masam in safely disposing of UXO to protect lives, secure communities, and reduce the risk of further incidents.