Project Masam has carried out a bulk demolition of 700 landmines, explosive devices (IEDs) and unexploded ordnance in Yemen’s Marib Governorate.
The operation, which was carried out in Dhahban area of Harib District, included 320 unexploded shells, 200 anti-tank mines, 49 camouflaged explosive devices, in addition to 32 anti-personnel mines and 100 fuses and capsules.
This was the second operation of this type in October in Marib, and the 190th bulk demolition operation by Project Masam since the beginning of its mission in mid-2018.
Impact of landmines on Marib
The governorate of Marib is located in the northeast of the country and has an area of 17,000 square kilometres. It is considered one of the largest governorates in terms of area, and is important from a cultural, historical and economic standpoint.
In spite of the importance of this governorate, Houthi militias have planted landmines and explosive devices in multiple areas, which has significantly impacted the region.
From an economic point of view, landmines impede economic development in Marib, as they prevent access to agricultural lands, strategic sites and infrastructure, and natural resources. They have also led to a decline in agricultural production and livestock, and have hindered reconstruction and development efforts, specifically in the districts of Al-Wadi, Harib, Majzar, Ragwan, Sarwah, Al-Jadaan, among others.
From a social perspective, landmines greatly affect the lives of local residents, as they threaten their safety and the safety of their children, and expose them to the risk of injury, disability or death. Mines also lead to the displacement of civilians, the separation of families, and the destruction of the infrastructure of cities and villages.
Finally, from a cultural standpoint, landmines affect the cultural heritage and historical monuments in Marib. Archaeological sites and historical monuments are destroyed or contaminated by landmines, which affects the cultural and historical identity of the region.
As for the population of Marib Governorate, the numbers vary according to the population movement. Based on recent estimates, the population of Marib is estimated at 300,000 people, in addition to 2 million internally displaced people (IDPs) who came to the governorate due to war.
Yemenis suffer from the effects of landmines on the economic, cultural and social levels to a large extent.
