Over 3,500 explosive devices removed in Yemen in first half of October
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- Project Masam removed 3,542 mines and explosive remnants across Yemen in the first 16 days of October, clearing 501,985 square metres of land.
- The clearance included 74 anti-personnel mines, which pose a direct threat to civilians, alongside anti-tank mines and thousands of unexploded munitions.
Demining teams in Yemen cleared 3,542 landmines and other explosive threats during October so far, reclaiming 501,985 square metres of land, as clearance operations continue across areas affected by years of conflict, according to Project Masam.
The Saudi-funded project said the items removed included 3,356 pieces of unexploded ordnance, 106 anti-tank mines, 74 anti-personnel mines and six improvised explosive devices.
During the latest reporting week, from October 10 to 16, teams cleared 995 explosive threats across 135,103 square metres. These included 902 pieces of unexploded ordnance, 50 anti-personnel mines, 39 anti-tank mines and four improvised explosive devices.
Since beginning operations in July 2018, Project Masam has cleared 597,031 explosive threats across areas under the control of Yemen’s internationally recognised government, according to its latest figures covering operations through October 16.
The cumulative total includes 427,316 pieces of unexploded ordnance, 153,213 anti-tank mines, 7,809 anti-personnel mines and 8,693 improvised explosive devices. Teams have cleared a total of 86.3 million square metres of land.
Landmines and unexploded munitions remain a long-term danger in Yemen, where years of fighting have contaminated residential areas, farmland, roads and essential infrastructure.
The explosive remnants threaten civilians returning to their homes and communities attempting to resume farming and other livelihoods. They also complicate humanitarian access and reconstruction efforts.
Project Masam said its teams continue to conduct clearance operations, respond to reports of explosive hazards and provide risk-awareness activities to help communities recognise and avoid dangerous items. Operations remain constrained by security restrictions in some areas.
