Project Masam renewed for fourth year after clearance reaches a quarter of a million explosive devices

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Project Masam is pleased to announce the renewal of its life-saving operation in Yemen for a fourth year. Through the generosity and humanitarian vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its leadership, Project Masam will continue to clear landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO) and improvised explosive devices (IED) throughout the liberated areas of Yemen. To date Masam has cleared 87,927 landmines, 6,078 IEDs and 169,792 UXO, resulting in 24,800,280 sqm of land made safe and returned for community usage and looks forward to building on this achievement throughout 2021 and into 2022.

Since 25 June 2018, when Project Masam’s  operations began, the demining teams have cleared a quarter of a million landmines, UXO and IEDs in Marib, Aden, Al-Jawf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale, and Saada. 

 Project Masam Managing Director and Programme Manager Ousama Algosaibi thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its leadership for their humanitarian vision and the contract renewal, saying:  

 “I join the staff, demining teams and experts in welcoming the contract renewal for Project Masam. We know just how critical our humanitarian mine clearance operations are in addressing the direct threats to the lives of civilians caused by landmines and explosive remnants of war, and safeguarding the delivery of urgent humanitarian supplies in liberated areas. 

 “Even after the frontlines have moved, displaced people cannot return home, as their land, grazing fields, roads, homes and schools have been contaminated by landmines and other explosive devices. The number one priority is to clear those areas, clear that land, clear those roads so that everything else can follow after that. Civilians can return home, safely, and start rebuilding Yemen.  

 “We are proud of the outstanding work our teams are conducting every day. We are the largest and most productive organisation on the ground coordinating with the Yemeni authorities. The number of deadly items located, retrieved and destroyed speak for themselves; and we are looking forward to continuing to help Yemenis in 2021-2022. ” 

 As at 23 July 2021, Project Masam has located and destroyed 263,797 explosive devices including 3,984 anti-personnel mines, 83,943 anti-tank mines, 6,018 IEDs and 160,179 UXO in Yemeni liberated areas. Clearance has allowed tens of thousands to return to their homes, lands and schools. 

 Mine clearance operations continued during the Covid-19 pandemic, supported by Project Masam’s medical team, who ensured processes were in place to protect teams and personnel. Additionally, as part of Masam’s efforts during the global outbreak, ground teams educated the local population on the best way to protect themselves and their families. 

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