Project Masam teams have removed 487 landmines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other explosive threats from farmland and grazing areas around Al-Makhazin village in Midi District, northern Hajjah Governorate.
The clearance is helping reduce risks to farmers, herders and people travelling through areas affected by extensive explosive contamination.
Operations are continuing despite heightened military activity in northern Hajjah, including missile strikes and the presence of drones over areas where Project Masam teams are working.
According to Project Masam’s operations centre in Midi, teams remain on heightened readiness to respond rapidly to reports of explosive hazards, while maintaining direct contact with local communities.
Team 35 Leader Mohammed Mansour said his team had dismantled and removed 113 anti-tank mines and 335 items of UXO from farmland and grazing areas east of Al-Makhazin.
Since beginning operations in mid-June, Team 35 has cleared 87,247 square metres of contaminated land, helping protect farmers and herders while making local routes safer to use. Further north of the village, Team 42 has removed 32 anti-tank mines and seven IEDs since the beginning of October.
Team Leader Abdulrahman Dhiab said the devices posed an immediate threat to civilians using the surrounding area.
Alongside clearance operations, Project Masam’s community awareness and coordination team is delivering Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) to children, farmers and herders.
Sessions focus on helping residents recognise suspicious objects, keep their distance, avoid touching, moving or inspecting them, and report hazards safely to the appropriate authorities.
The work comes amid continuing concern over landmine contamination in Hajjah Governorate. Recent media and human rights reporting has alleged renewed mine-laying in Abs District, raising further concerns for civilians living and travelling through affected areas.
Project Masam teams continue to survey and clear farmland, grazing areas and routes used by local communities across Midi and neighbouring districts, while remaining prepared to respond to newly reported explosive threats.
