Project Masam’s demining Team 17 has successfully secured a grazing area in Al-Seiman village, Dhubab district, Taiz Governorate. The team cleared two mine-contaminated fields and removed two anti-tank mines, making safe an area of 35,000 square metres.
Team Leader Hassan Al-Jahuri explained that Houthi militias had heavily mined the area to obstruct the movement of government forces and displace residents, adding that seasonal floods often uncover hidden explosives and increase the threat to civilians.
Taiz has been one of Yemen’s most heavily affected governorates due to years of front-line fighting, with widespread mine contamination cutting off farmland, roads, and grazing areas essential to rural livelihoods.
In recent years, landmines in this area have claimed dozens of civilian lives and killed large numbers of livestock – a vital source of income and food security for local families.
“Demining operations have improved the situation, but the danger remains,” said shepherd Ali Salem Shamkh. Fellow resident Um Nasser, a shepherdess, called for the continuation of Masam’s efforts to safeguard the community.
The districts of Bab Al-Mandab and Dhubab are among the most heavily mine-contaminated areas on Yemen’s west coast. Five Masam field teams are currently operating across the region, working tirelessly to restore safety and stability to communities affected by landmines.
