KSrelief Renews Masam Project to Clear Yemeni Mines

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has renewed the contract for the Masam project, extending its mine clearance operations in Yemen for another year at a cost of $35,998,500. The announcement, made on July 14, 2024, underscores Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian relief and the safety of Yemeni civilians. The project, carried out by Saudi personnel and international experts alongside trained Yemeni teams, aims to clear all types of randomly planted mines and remnants of war, which continue to pose grave threats to innocent lives.

Context and Background

Yemen has suffered from widespread landmine contamination due to years of conflict, with mines and unexploded ordnance scattered across civilian areas, causing lifelong injuries, disabilities, and loss of life, particularly among women, children, and the elderly. The Masam project, launched by KSrelief in 2018, is a pioneering humanitarian initiative dedicated to clearing Yemeni territory of these deadly devices. Since its inception, the project has cleared 450,919 mines and various missiles, according to KSrelief Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah.

Key Details

The renewed contract, valued at $35,998,500, ensures the continuation of Masam’s vital work for another year. The project not only focuses on dismantling mines but also includes capacity-building and training activities for Yemeni individuals involved in mine clearance. Dr. Al Rabeeah emphasized the crucial significance of renewing the contract, stating that the project plays a vital role in clearing Yemeni territory of mines intentionally planted in areas that endangered innocent civilians. He expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their outstanding humanitarian and relief initiatives in Yemen and other countries.

Implications and Impact

The extension of the Masam project has far-reaching implications for Yemen’s recovery and stability. By removing landmines and unexploded ordnance, the project enables safe access to agricultural land, roads, and essential infrastructure, facilitating the return of displaced families and revitalizing local economies. Moreover, the training of Yemeni teams empowers local communities with the skills needed to sustain mine clearance efforts in the long term. On a regional and international level, this initiative reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in humanitarian aid and conflict resolution, demonstrating its commitment to alleviating human suffering and promoting peace in Yemen.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizes the Kingdom’s role as a global humanitarian leader, leveraging its resources and expertise to support stability and prosperity beyond its borders. The Masam project aligns with this vision by contributing to the safety and well-being of Yemeni civilians, fostering conditions for reconstruction and development. Through such initiatives, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its international partnerships and uphold its humanitarian responsibilities, reflecting the core values of Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s enduring commitment to peace and global cooperation.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Masam project?

A1. The Masam project is a humanitarian initiative by KSrelief to clear Yemeni territory of landmines and unexploded ordnance, carried out by Saudi and international experts alongside trained Yemeni teams.

Q2. Which organization renewed the Masam project contract?

A2. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) renewed the contract.

Q3. How much did the contract renewal cost?

A3. The contract was renewed at a cost of $35,998,500.

Q4. When was the contract renewal announced?

A4. The renewal was announced on July 14, 2024.

Q5. Who is the Supervisor General of KSrelief?

A5. Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah is the Supervisor General of KSrelief.

Q6. What types of hazards does the Masam project target?

A6. It targets all types of randomly planted mines and various missiles in Yemeni lands.

Q7. How many mines and missiles has the project cleared so far?

A7. The project has cleared 450,919 mines and various missiles.

Q8. Who carries out the mine clearance operations?

A8. Saudi personnel, international experts, and trained Yemeni teams carry out the operations.

Q9. What else does the project include besides mine clearance?

A9. It includes capacity-building and training activities for Yemeni individuals involved in mine clearance.

Q10. Who does the project aim to protect?

A10. It aims to protect innocent civilians, particularly women, children, and older people.

Q11. Why did Dr. Al Rabeeah emphasize the renewal’s importance?

A11. He emphasized it because the project plays a vital role in clearing mines that endanger civilians and cause lifelong injuries and loss of life.

Q12. Whom did Dr. Al Rabeeah thank for their support?

A12. He thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Q13. What is the significance of the Masam project for Yemen?

A13. It enhances civilian safety, enables access to land and infrastructure, and supports recovery and stability in Yemen.

Q14. How does the project contribute to Vision 2030?

A14. It aligns with Vision 2030 by showcasing Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian leadership and commitment to global peace and cooperation.

Q15. Which areas in Yemen are affected by landmines?

A15. Landmines are scattered across various civilian areas in Yemen, endangering innocent lives.

Q16. What are the long-term benefits of the training component?

A16. It empowers Yemeni teams with skills to sustain mine clearance efforts independently in the future.

Q17. How does the project reflect Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian role?

A17. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to alleviating human suffering and supporting stability in Yemen and beyond.

Q18. What percentage of the contract cost covers training?

A18. The specific allocation for training is not detailed, but the contract covers all aspects of the project including training.

Q19. Are there any international partners involved?

A19. Yes, international experts work alongside Saudi and Yemeni teams on the project.

Q20. What is the expected impact of the one-year extension?

A20. The extension will continue to clear mines, protect civilians, and build local capacity, furthering Yemen’s path to recovery.

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