Project Masam’s deminers have destroyed 4,146 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.
By destroying the explosive items, Project Masam ensures they can no longer function as designed – this effectively protects civilian populations and helps to eradicate these deadly weapons.
On Thursday (1 May 2025) Project Masam’s Special Task Team (STT) in the Aden sector confirmed that the operation involved the detonation and destruction of:
• 21 shells (152mm)
• 35 shells (85mm)
• 33 mortar shells (85mm)
• 31 shells (100mm)
• 1,200 rounds (7.62mm)
• 500 rounds (50mm)
• 2,000 rounds
The operation also included the destruction of:
• 261 assorted fuses
• 31 hand grenades
• 15 armour-piercing fin stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS)
• 10 anti-tank mines
• Nine anti-personnel mines
Engineer Munther Ahmed Qassem, leader of the STT, said: “The operation was conducted in a remote area, safely distanced from residential zones and farmland, in full accordance with international safety standards.”
He added: “Our team successfully executed the operation in a controlled, secure environment despite the extremely high temperatures and challenging field conditions. The work of the Special Task Team continues year-round due to the critical importance of protecting the lives of innocent civilians.”
