On Thursday morning, Project Masam carried out a large-scale demolition operation in the city of Mukalla in Yemen’s Hadhramaut Governorate, safely disposing of 5,754 landmines, unexploded ordnance, and other explosive devices. The operation forms part of the project’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to protect civilian lives and clear residential areas and civilian infrastructure of explosive hazards.
The explosive items destroyed during the operation included:
- 5,500 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition
- Five anti-aircraft rockets (AA rockets)
- 10 guided missiles
- Four anti-tank mines
- 20 anti-personnel mines
- 50 37mm shells
- 120 rounds of 23mm ammunition
- 12 hand grenades
- 33 rounds of 82mm mortar
The wide range of munitions reflects the scale and complexity of explosive contamination remaining from past fighting, with items varying significantly in type, calibre, and level of risk.
The demolition was conducted as part of Project Masam’s continuous work to rid Yemeni territory of the remnants of war that pose a direct and ongoing threat to civilians. All explosives were destroyed in a secure location, carefully selected to ensure the safety of surrounding communities, agricultural land, and infrastructure.
The operation was carried out in coordination with the National Mine Action Programme and the Executive Centre for Mine Action (YEMAC), underscoring the importance of cooperation with national institutions in addressing explosive contamination. Oversight and safety measures were applied throughout the process to ensure full compliance with established procedures.
Commenting on the operation, Project Masam’s Managing Director, Ousama Algosaibi, confirmed that the demolition was conducted in line with international standards for explosive ordnance disposal, despite the challenging conditions faced by teams on the ground. He emphasised that strict safety protocols were followed to minimise risk and ensure the protection of both personnel and nearby civilian areas.
Algosaibi also noted that the operation reflects Project Masam’s commitment to transparency and accountability. As part of its internal policy, the project systematically documents its activities through audio and video recordings, which are then made publicly available through various media platforms. This approach allows for clear oversight of operations and reinforces confidence in the project’s humanitarian mandate.
Project Masam reaffirmed that its teams continue to work throughout the year across multiple Yemeni governorates affected by landmines, improvised explosive devices, and unexploded ordnance. These efforts remain focused on reducing civilian harm and supporting the safe return to normal life in areas still affected by the long-term consequences of conflict.
