The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s “Masam” project for clearing Yemeni lands continued its tireless efforts to secure the lives of civilians, as its field engineering teams were able, during the second week of February 2026, to neutralize the danger of 840 mines, unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices that were planted in various areas of Yemen.

Details of field operations and their geographical distribution

The project's weekly report revealed the diversity of materials removed, including 149 anti-tank mines, 16 anti-personnel mines, 660 pieces of unexploded ordnance, and 15 improvised explosive devices. These efforts were spread across several Yemeni governorates, reflecting the wide geographical scope of the clearance operations.

In terms of geographical distribution, the MASAM team in Aden Governorate successfully secured the Khormaksar district by removing one piece of unexploded ordnance, and the Aden district by removing 256 pieces of unexploded ordnance. In Hajjah Governorate, specifically in the Midi district, the teams removed 50 anti-tank mines, 330 pieces of unexploded ordnance, and 9 improvised explosive devices. The operations also included the Al-Mudharabah district in Lahj Governorate and the Hays district in Al-Hudaydah Governorate.

In Marib Governorate, teams focused their efforts in the districts of Raghwan and Al Wadi, while in Shabwa Governorate, intensive activity took place in the districts of Ain, Arma, and Bayhan, where large quantities of anti-tank mines and improvised explosive devices were removed. In Taiz, teams continued clearing the districts of Al Mukha, Dhubab, and Saluh of mines and unexploded ordnance that threaten the population.

Record numbers and ongoing efforts

With this latest count, the total number of mines removed in February alone has risen to 4,000, bringing the total number of mines removed since the launch of Project Masam to 541,511. These figures reflect the scale of the disaster caused by the indiscriminate planting of these mines in Yemeni lands, targeting innocent women, children, and the elderly.

Project importance and humanitarian context

The operations of the MASAM project are of paramount strategic and humanitarian importance. The project's mission extends beyond the immediate removal of landmines to include securing roads, farms, and schools, thus facilitating the return of displaced persons to their homes and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid. Landmines in Yemen are among the most serious challenges facing civilians, as they are planted indiscriminately and camouflaged, making them difficult to detect without advanced technical expertise.

This project is an extension of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leading role, through its humanitarian arm, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, in alleviating the suffering of the brotherly Yemeni people. The project directly contributes to reducing the rates of injuries and deaths resulting from these explosives and enhances opportunities for development and stability in liberated areas, reaffirming the Kingdom's continued commitment to supporting Yemen in all humanitarian and development fields.

A moderate earthquake struck Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan, with seismic monitoring centers recording a magnitude of 5.5 on the Richter scale. This event serves as a reminder of the complex and active geological nature of this region, which has historically been the scene of numerous seismic events.

Details of seismic activity in the region

According to preliminary data, the earthquake struck a region characterized by rugged terrain, a feature prevalent in Balochistan, Pakistan's largest and least densely populated province. While a magnitude of 5.5 is generally classified as a moderate earthquake, its impact depends significantly on the depth of the epicenter, its proximity to populated areas, and the nature of the infrastructure in the affected regions.

Geological background: Why do earthquakes occur so frequently in Pakistan?

Earthquakes are not uncommon in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan. The country lies geographically at the intersection of major tectonic plates, where the Indian Plate is compressed against the Eurasian Plate. This constant collision and the resulting immense pressure cause energy to accumulate in the Earth's crust, which is then released suddenly in the form of earthquakes.

The notorious Chaman Fault, one of the most seismically active faults in the region, runs through Balochistan province, stretching for considerable distances across the Pakistani-Afghan border. The presence of this fault keeps the region constantly on alert for the possibility of aftershocks or major earthquakes.

The region's history with earthquakes and the impact on infrastructure

When discussing the impact of earthquakes in Balochistan, the nature of urban planning in villages and remote areas must be considered. Many communities in the region rely on mud houses or structurally unsupported buildings to withstand earthquakes, making even moderate tremors a potential threat to property and lives.

Historically, the region has experienced devastating earthquakes, most notably the 1935 Quetta earthquake, one of the deadliest in the history of the Indian subcontinent, and the 2013 Awaran earthquake. These historical precedents place a significant responsibility on local authorities and disaster management agencies to enhance preparedness and ensure a rapid response to any seismic activity.

The importance of follow-up and safety procedures

The Pakistan Meteorological Department and Geological Survey are closely monitoring these activities, analyzing data to determine the likelihood of aftershocks. Experts consistently advise residents of seismically active areas to follow general safety guidelines, such as staying away from dilapidated buildings, identifying safe assembly points, and securing heavy furniture inside homes to minimize risks during tremors.