Reports
Project Masam removes 2,692 landmines in Yemen in one week: A comprehensive report
Project Masam successfully removed 2,692 landmines and unexploded ordnance in Yemen in one week, bringing the total to over 537,000. Learn more about the humanitarian efforts to clear Yemeni lands.
As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of the brotherly Yemeni people, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s “Masam” project for clearing Yemeni lands of mines achieved a new milestone during the fifth and final week of January 2026. The project’s field engineering teams successfully removed 2,692 mines, unexploded ordnance, and improvised explosive devices that posed a direct threat to the lives of civilians in several Yemeni governorates.
Details of field operations and distribution of removed mines
The center's weekly report revealed detailed information about the materials handled, including 12 anti-personnel mines, 70 anti-tank mines, a massive quantity of unexploded ordnance (UXO) totaling 2,602 rounds, and 8 improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The clearance efforts were spread across several key areas. In Al Hudaydah Governorate, areas in Hays District were cleared of UXO, while in Al Khawkhah District, 8 UXO and one IED were removed.
On the eastern coast, specifically in the Al-Mukalla district of Hadramawt Governorate, the team successfully removed six anti-personnel mines, 12 anti-tank mines, and 2,215 pieces of unexploded ordnance, reflecting the significant level of contamination in that area. In Hajjah Governorate, intensive activity in the Midi district resulted in the removal of three anti-personnel mines, 56 anti-tank mines, 326 pieces of unexploded ordnance, and six improvised explosive devices. Efforts also extended to the Al-Mudharabah district of Lahj Governorate and the districts of Bayhan and Al-Mukha in Shabwah and Taiz Governorates, where large areas were secured by removing dozens of mines and unexploded ordnance.
The humanitarian context and the importance of the Masam project
This effort is part of the broader, pivotal role played by the MASAM project since its inception. The project's primary objective is to clear Yemeni lands of landmines and unexploded ordnance that were indiscriminately planted in residential areas, schools, and public roads. These operations are of paramount importance given the direct impact of landmines on the daily lives of citizens. They impede the return of displaced persons, prevent farmers from accessing their land, and pose a constant threat to children, women, and the elderly.
Record numbers reflect the scale of the achievement
With the addition of the last week's toll, the total number of mines and various types of unexploded ordnance removed in January alone has risen to 7,554. More importantly, the total number of mines cleared from Yemeni lands by the MASAM project since its inception has reached a record 537,505. This staggering figure reflects the scale of the disaster averted and the number of lives saved, thanks to God and then to these tireless efforts.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by its humanitarian arm, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, continues its firm commitment to supporting security and stability in Yemen, not only through food and medical aid, but also by securing the land on which the Yemeni people live, to enable them to live their lives normally and safely, away from the fear of sudden explosions left by years of conflict.
Reports
Rehabilitation of Aden International Airport runway begins: Project details and objectives
Rehabilitation and development work has begun at Aden International Airport's runway, with Saudi support, to improve air navigation efficiency. Learn more about the project and its strategic importance to Yemen.
The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) announced the commencement of fieldwork for the rehabilitation and development of the runway at Aden International Airport . This strategic step aims to enhance the airport's efficiency and strengthen air traffic safety standards. This swift action comes less than a week after the groundbreaking ceremony for the third phase of the airport rehabilitation project, reflecting the program's commitment to accelerating the pace of work to serve the air transport sector in Yemen.
The current works include a comprehensive upgrade of the main runway, encompassing the supply and installation of advanced navigation equipment and modern communication systems that meet the latest international standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These upgrades aim to enhance the airport's infrastructure and improve logistical services, positively impacting the passenger experience and facilitating the flow of humanitarian aid and commercial goods.
Strategic importance and a lifeline for Yemenis
Aden International Airport is of paramount importance as it serves as the main air gateway for Yemenis to the outside world, especially given the exceptional circumstances the country is experiencing. The airport is a vital artery connecting the interim capital, Aden, to the regional and international community. Over the past years, the airport has suffered extensive damage to its infrastructure due to the conflict, making its rehabilitation an urgent necessity to ensure the continuation of regular and safe air travel.
Saudi Arabia's role in development and reconstruction
This project is part of a series of development projects implemented by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen , covering vital sectors such as health, education, energy, and transportation. Saudi support reflects the Kingdom's ongoing commitment to supporting economic and developmental stability in Yemen. The runway upgrade is expected to increase the airport's capacity, paving the way for more international airlines to resume flights to Aden, which will, in turn, reduce travel costs and facilitate the movement of citizens, patients, and students.
In conclusion, this step represents a qualitative leap in the Yemeni aviation sector, as the technical and engineering upgrades will raise the level of navigational safety, enhancing confidence in the airport as a safe and efficient regional transport hub, and supporting economic recovery efforts in the liberated governorates.
Reports
Massive fire in a market in western Tehran: details of the incident and firefighting efforts
A massive fire broke out in a commercial market in the Jannatabad area of western Tehran. Learn more about the incident and the Civil Defense's statements regarding the losses and the cause of the ongoing blaze.
The Iranian capital, Tehran, witnessed a horrific incident on Tuesday morning, represented by a huge fire breaking out in one of the vital commercial centers located in the western part of the city, which prompted a wide mobilization of civil defense agencies and firefighting teams to control the situation and prevent a bigger disaster.
According to official media reports, flames and thick plumes of smoke rose from the scene of the incident, causing panic among residents. Black smoke clouds covered the sky of the surrounding area and were clearly visible from scattered and distant areas in the capital, Tehran, reflecting the size and intensity of the fire that broke out early in the day.
Details of the fire and statements from officials
In official statements to Iranian television, Tehran Fire Department spokesman Jalal Maleki explained that the fire broke out specifically in a local market in the Jannatabad area. Maleki indicated that the affected site was a large commercial warehouse and market with numerous shops and stalls closely packed together, covering a total area of approximately 2,000 square meters. He confirmed that the nature of the goods stored in the market and the close proximity of the stalls contributed to the rapid spread of the fire and the density of the smoke.
The spokesman added that fire crews rushed to the scene immediately upon receiving the report, with several fire stations working in coordination with each other to contain the fire from several directions, with the aim of preventing it from spreading to residential buildings and neighboring facilities, especially since the area is considered densely populated and vital.
Context of recurring fires and infrastructure
This incident has once again brought to the forefront the issue of public safety in the old or temporary markets and shopping centers of the Iranian capital. Tehran faces ongoing challenges regarding infrastructure and safety standards in some of its popular markets, where some establishments lack early warning systems or modern automatic fire suppression systems, making firefighters' response to fires a daunting task.
Such incidents bring to mind previous disasters in the capital, increasing pressure on local authorities to tighten controls on electrical connections and the storage of flammable goods in crowded markets, to ensure that such scenarios that threaten lives and property are not repeated.
Losses and current situation
As of the time of this report, there are no confirmed reports of injuries or fatalities from the fire, which is a positive sign given the expected scale of the material damage. However, the economic losses could be substantial for shop and stall owners in Jannatabad market, as the fire consumed large areas of goods and facilities.
Investigations are still underway to determine the true causes of the fire, whether it was caused by an electrical short circuit, human negligence, or other reasons, while firefighting teams continue cooling operations to ensure that the fire does not reignite.
Reports
Operation of Socotra Hospital with full Saudi support: Strengthening healthcare in Yemen
In accordance with the directives of the leadership, the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen announced the operation of the Socotra Hospital, covering all costs, to serve the people of the archipelago and improve their quality of life.
In accordance with the directives of the wise leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and as an extension of the Kingdom's leading role in supporting its brothers in Yemen, the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen announced the commencement of operations at the Socotra Hospital, covering all its operational costs. This strategic step aims to enhance the capabilities of the health sector in the archipelago and ensure the sustainability of medical services provided to the residents, thereby contributing to meeting the growing needs of the population and reducing the need for medical referrals outside the governorate.
This project is of paramount importance given the unique geographical nature of the Socotra archipelago, where residents face significant challenges in traveling to other Yemeni governorates or abroad for medical treatment, especially during certain seasons when climatic conditions can disrupt maritime and air transport. Therefore, the full operation of the hospital, with direct Saudi support, represents a vital lifeline, ending the suffering of thousands of patients who previously endured the hardship and exorbitant costs of travel in search of healthcare.
The hospital's opening is part of a series of development programs and projects implemented by the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen. These programs primarily aim to improve the efficiency of basic services and enhance the quality of life, particularly in areas with high healthcare needs. Full operational support includes ensuring the availability of qualified medical staff, securing medical supplies, equipment, and medications, and enhancing the hospital's readiness to handle critical and emergency cases, thus alleviating the health and financial burdens on Yemeni citizens.
In a related context, the Saudi program emphasized that this project is not isolated, but rather part of a comprehensive package of development interventions covering seven vital sectors: health, education, energy, water, transportation, agriculture and fisheries, and building the capacity of government institutions. These projects reflect the Kingdom's commitment to supporting stability and sustainable development in Yemen, and contributing to the reconstruction of infrastructure damaged in recent years.
The Socotra Hospital is a comprehensive medical facility established to provide high-quality medical services, including state-of-the-art emergency departments, specialized clinics in various fields, inpatient wards, advanced diagnostic services, and modern laboratories. This support is expected to significantly improve the level of healthcare on the island, thereby enhancing the health and social security of Socotra's residents.
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