Project Masam has located and cleared 593,489 landmines and explosive threats across Yemen’s liberated areas since operations began in July 2018, according to the latest cumulative figures covering activities up to 25 September 2026.
This total includes 7,735 anti-personnel mines, 153,107 anti-tank mines, 423,960 items of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and 8,687 improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Through these operations, 85,812,262 square metres of land have been cleared, supporting safer returns, livelihoods and humanitarian access across multiple governorates.
Since the escalation of the conflict in 2014, large areas of Yemen have been contaminated with landmines and explosive remnants of war, particularly in formerly contested and strategically significant regions. Estimates indicate that between one and two million mines were laid nationwide by the Houthis, creating long-term risks for civilians, agriculture, infrastructure and humanitarian operations.
During the latest reporting week (19–25 September 2026), Project Masam teams cleared 1,277 explosive hazards, including nine anti-personnel mines, 58 anti-tank mines, 1,200 items of UXO and 10 IEDs. Clearance operations during the same period covered 197,801 square metres of land.
Operations during the week were recorded across Aden, Al Dhale, Hadramawt, Hajjah, Marib, Shabwah and Taiz. In Midi, northern Hajjah Governorate, teams continued clearance around water infrastructure and other contaminated areas, alongside technical survey and non-technical survey operations.
Project Masam also continued Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) activities in Midi, with the Community Liaison Team conducting non-technical survey and EORE sessions in villages south of the district to increase awareness of mines, UXO and other explosive ordnance among affected communities.
Project Masam continues to prioritise the clearance of villages, agricultural land, schools, infrastructure and access routes to enable safer movement for civilians and humanitarian workers.
Up to five million Yemenis have been displaced since the start of the war, many forced from their homes by active fighting and widespread landmine contamination. Seasonal sand movement and flooding and restricted access continue to complicate clearance efforts.
Despite these challenges, Project Masam remains committed to protecting lives and supporting Yemen’s recovery through sustained humanitarian Mine Action.
