Project Masam, in coordination with the National Mine Action Programme and the Yemen Executive Mine Action Centre (YEMAC) branch in Hadhramaut Governorate, successfully destroyed 636 explosive devices in the city of Mukalla as part of its ongoing humanitarian mine action operations.
The demolition operation targeted explosive remnants of war that pose a direct threat to civilians across liberated areas. The destroyed items comprised a mix of landmines, shells, and various ammunition collected from contaminated ground during clearance activities.
The breakdown of destroyed devices includes:
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202 rounds of 37mm shells
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25 rounds of 57mm shells
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10 rounds of 100mm anti-tank shells
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22 rounds of 82mm mortar shells
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Four anti-tank mines
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66 rounds of 23mm shells
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Two rounds of 120mm mortar shells
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300 rounds of assorted ammunition
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Five rounds of 12.7mm anti-armour ammunition
Brigadier General Saleh Al-Mahdhar, Director of the YEMAC Hadhramaut branch, underscored Project Masam’s commitment to removing explosive threats that continue to endanger civilians long after conflict has subsided. He noted that such hazards cause severe injuries, permanent disabilities, and psychological trauma, particularly among children, women, and the elderly.
Al-Mahdhar added that explosive contamination restricts safe access to land, delays the return to normal life for displaced communities, and hampers recovery and development efforts throughout affected areas.
The Director also expressed appreciation for the continued support from Project Masam, describing this cooperation as part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian role in assisting Yemen to overcome the impacts of war, under the banner “A Life Without Landmines.”
Al-Mahdhar extended his gratitude to Project Masam’s Managing Director Ousama Algosaibi, the Director of the National Mine Action Programme, Brigadier General Amin Al-Aqili; and the Director of YEMAC in Aden Governorate, Brigadier General Qaed Haitham, for their unwavering cooperation and support in advancing humanitarian mine action and safeguarding civilian lives.
