roject Masam has intensified Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) activities in Midi District, northern Hajjah Governorate, following reports of minefields discovered close to homes and on farmland used by local communities.
EORE teams are conducting activities in villages, farming areas and locations used by herders, providing residents with information on the risks posed by landmines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other explosive remnants of war (ERW), and teaching them how to recognise, avoid and safely report suspected explosive hazards.
According to Project Masam’s operations room in Midi, teams have been instructed to increase EORE activities, particularly among farmers and herders who may enter areas suspected of explosive contamination during their daily work.
The increased activity follows the discovery of dozens of minefields and IEDs in the area, including explosive hazards located close to populated communities.
Project Masam teams recently conducted EORE activities in the villages of Al-Ja’ada and Al-Makhazin in Midi District. Residents were shown photographs and given information to help them recognise different types of landmines, explosive devices and IEDs they could encounter.
Teams also distributed educational materials explaining the risks posed by these explosive hazards and the actions civilians should take if they encounter a suspicious object.
Residents were advised to keep their distance from suspected explosive hazards and report them rather than attempting to approach, touch or move them. They were also provided with contact information and hotlines through which discoveries can be reported, allowing the relevant teams to respond.
The intensified EORE activities follow several reports from local residents in recent weeks. Project Masam’s operations room received reports from civilians who discovered a minefield near their homes in Bani Khoury village, Hayran District.
Shepherds also reported finding minefields on farmland north of Al-Makhazin village in Midi District while carrying out their daily work.
Project Masam’s operations room said the increased EORE activities were launched in response to these reports, with teams seeking to reach civilians whose everyday activities may bring them into areas affected by explosive contamination.
The presence of minefields close to homes and on agricultural and grazing land presents a particular threat to communities whose daily lives and livelihoods require them to move through these areas. Project Masam continues to combine EORE and community reporting with its demining operations to reduce the risk to civilians living and working in mine-affected areas of Hajjah Governorate.
