Project Masam has carried out the bulk demolition of 1,149 landmines, explosive devices (IEDs) and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Bab al-Mandab, in Yemen’s southern Taiz Governorate.
The demolition operation, which was carried out by Project Masam’s Special Task Team, included 132 anti-tank mines, 993 UXO, in addition to 12 anti-personnel mines, and 12 IEDs.
In a statement, a Project Masam official in charge of demolition operations in Bab al-Mandab said that the mines, which were destroyed today (Wednesday 23 August), were cleared by Project Masam teams in the last two weeks of August, from the districts of Hays, Al-Khawkhah, Mawza’, Al-Wazi’ia, and Al-Mokha.
The official emphasised that the demolished mines posed a direct threat to the lives of innocent civilians in these areas of the west coast of Yemen, and prevented many of them from going to work including farming and grazing sheep and camels, which are basic sources of livelihood for the majority of the population there.
He added that civilians feel relieved, knowing that the mines, IEDs, and remnants of war have been demolished and disposed of knowing they won’t be able to harm any one, nor will they fall into wrong hands.
