The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s “Masam” project to clear Yemeni lands of mines continued to achieve successive field accomplishments, as the project’s engineering teams were able, during the fourth week of January 2026, to remove a total of 2,100 mines, unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices in various liberated Yemeni governorates, as part of its ongoing efforts to secure the lives of civilians.

In detail, the field operations resulted in the removal of a variety of ordnance, including 31 anti-personnel mines, 7 anti-tank mines, 2,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance, and 2 improvised explosive devices (IEDs). These efforts were spread across several governorates. In Aden Governorate, the team removed one piece of unexploded ordnance in the Khormaksar district and 242 pieces in Aden city. In Al Hudaydah Governorate, the team removed 601 pieces of unexploded ordnance in the Hays district, and one anti-tank mine and 6 pieces of unexploded ordnance in the Al Khawkhah district.

Hadhramaut Governorate witnessed intensive activity, with the team in Al-Mukalla District removing 20 anti-personnel mines, 23 anti-tank mines, and 1,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance. In Hajjah Governorate, specifically in Midi District, 9 anti-personnel mines, 46 anti-tank mines, 58 pieces of unexploded ordnance, and 2 improvised explosive devices were removed. Operations also included Al-Mudharabah District in Lahj Governorate, where 3 anti-tank mines were removed, and Raghwan District in Ma'rib Governorate, where 1 anti-tank mine was removed. In Taiz, Dhubab District was cleared of an anti-tank mine and 18 pieces of ordnance, and Salah District was cleared of 2 anti-personnel mines and 17 pieces of ordnance.

Humanitarian context and ongoing efforts

This achievement comes within the context of the vital role played by the “Masam” project since its inception, representing a crucial humanitarian arm of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center. The project primarily aims to address the humanitarian catastrophe caused by landmines that have been planted indiscriminately and densely in residential areas, roads, and farms, transforming vast swathes of Yemeni land into death traps that threaten the lives of thousands.

These operations are of paramount importance, transcending mere statistics. Every mine removed means saving the life of a child, woman, or farmer, and restoring safety to routes used by aid convoys or students. Landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are among the most significant obstacles preventing displaced people from returning to their homes, and they also pose a major impediment to economic and social development in Yemen, given their contamination of agricultural lands and water sources.

In terms of overall figures, the number of mines removed in January alone reached 2,800, while the total number removed since the launch of the MASAM project has reached 534,800 mines and unexploded ordnance. This staggering figure reflects the scale of the disaster faced by Yemenis, and conversely, highlights the immense determination and effort exerted by the project's teams to clear the land and enable our Yemeni brothers and sisters to live in dignity and safety, free from the fear of sudden explosions.

In a strategic move aimed at strengthening the air transport sector in the Republic of Yemen, the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) launched the third phase of the project to develop and upgrade Aden International Airport. The launch ceremony was attended by the Minister of State and Governor of Aden Governorate, Mr. Abdulrahman Sheikh Al-Yafei, and the Director of the SDRPY office in Aden, Engineer Ahmed Madkhali, reflecting the great importance the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places on supporting vital infrastructure in Yemen.

Details and objectives of the third phase

This phase includes a package of advanced engineering and technical works, most notably the complete rehabilitation of the airport's main runway and the modernization of navigation and communication systems to meet the latest international standards. This ambitious project aims to enhance the airport's operational efficiency, directly contributing to improving the passenger experience and raising the level of air safety, as well as ensuring the airport's continuous operation in all weather conditions, 24/7.

The strategic importance of Aden International Airport

Aden International Airport is of paramount importance as Yemen's main air gateway to the world, especially given the current circumstances. This development will bolster Aden's position as a pivotal economic and commercial hub, enabling international and domestic airlines to operate more regular and efficient flights. The project will also help alleviate the isolation of Yemeni regions and facilitate the movement of citizens for humanitarian, commercial, and medical purposes, thereby strengthening social and economic ties within Yemen and with the region.

Integrating projects with international standards (ICAO)

This phase was not a sudden development, but rather an extension of previous and ongoing efforts. The first two phases of the project contributed to significant leaps in airport services. These phases included the rehabilitation of the auxiliary runway, the modernization of the passenger terminal, the development of the air cargo area, and the enhancement of emergency preparedness. All these efforts work in perfect harmony to meet the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), thus raising the airport's ranking and making it an attractive environment for international airlines.

Comprehensive support for the transport and logistics sector

The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) extends beyond airports to encompass a comprehensive vision for developing the transport and logistics sector. The program has implemented other vital projects, such as the rehabilitation of the strategic Al-Abir road, which serves millions of beneficiaries and connects Yemen to the Kingdom, in addition to developing land border crossings like Al-Wadi'ah. These projects collectively contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, creating direct and indirect job opportunities for Yemeni youth, and driving the national economy towards recovery and stability.