Masam: Saudi project clears Houthi land mines in a land where ‘every step might kill you’

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, managing director of Masam project, says they work on emergency response after identifying the locations of mines in freed areas. (Supplied)
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Updated 03 April 2023
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Masam: Saudi project clears Houthi land mines in a land where ‘every step might kill you’

  • Deadly harvest as 400,000 militia mines turn Yemen’s agricultural land into minefields

RIYADH: Yemen is known for its fertile farmland, and its agricultural sector is among the most productive in Yemen’s national economy.

However, since the Houthi uprising in Yemen in 2014, the country has become known for a completely different type of planting — mine planting — causing the death of civilians and innocent victims.

Saudi Arabia has committed to protecting Yemeni civilians by launching the Masam project for land mine clearance in Yemen.

The humanitarian initiative helps Yemenis remove the threat of mines, explosive devices and unexploded munitions, which claim the lives of many innocent civilians, including children, women and the elderly, in various Yemeni regions and villages.

The Masam project was launched in mid-June 2018 under the umbrella of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.

Land mine clearance is achieved through Saudi expertise, as well as international experts and Yemeni cadres trained in mine clearance techniques.

The project helps Yemenis avoid the tragedies that result from the spread of mines and explosive devices in all Yemeni governorates, allowing them to live peacefully and also build the Yemeni capabilities in mine clearance.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, managing director of the project, said: “The project works on emergency response after identifying the locations of mines in freed areas. This is achieved by developing and preparing plans that help trained teams with the clearance process, despite the lack of maps that identify the locations of mines, which constitutes a significant challenge for the team and is also one of the Houthis’ war crimes.

“Besides removing the mines, the project also works on destroying them to ensure that they are not used again. The team seeks to update its capabilities and develop its land mine clearance techniques, although the Houthi militia insists on developing its own techniques to target as many civilians as possible.”

Al-Gosaibi added: “Since mid-2018, land mine clearance teams have removed 390,586 mines in freed Yemeni regions, distributed as follows: 6,065 prohibited anti-personnel mines, 137,197 anti-tank mines, 7,741 explosive devices, and 239,583 unexploded munitions that were deactivated.”

He said: “We have witnessed new Houthi tricks in planting and manufacturing mines, as well as new techniques, huge quantities and significant numbers not recorded since the Second World War.”

The Houthis are adopting a brutal approach in planting huge quantities of mines and explosives near schools, healthcare facilities and water tanks, Al-Gosaibi said.

Mine clearance in Yemen is a lengthy process, requiring years, because of the large number of devices and the lack of maps identifying their location, he said.

“The Houthis are still planting thousands of mines in Yemen,” Al-Gosaibi added.

The project’s engineering teams handle all recognizable land mines, in addition to mines made locally by the militias in their own factories.

These devices account for 85 percent of the total number of deactivated mines and are among the most dangerous, as they are designed to explode under minimum pressure.

Teams also handle explosive devices developed and camouflaged by the militias in the form of stones, reinforced concrete, and other familiar and deceptive shapes.

“What worries us the most today is the rapid spread of new land mines that are locally manufactured by the Houthis,” Al-Gosaibi said.

“Imagine stumbling on an anti-tank land mine that has been transformed into an anti-personnel mine on your way back from your land. Imagine targeting a classroom with explosives. This is the harsh reality of living in Yemen today; every step might kill you.

“What is sad is that these explosives don’t differentiate between people. Thousands of Yemenis die or lose limbs every year, and this is why the Masam project works relentlessly on eliminating the threat of land mines in Yemen. In order to ensure Yemen’s ability to rebuild safely, we train and oversee local deminers, who are risking their lives to help others.”

Al-Gosaibi said the project has trained 32 engineering teams, which have been provided with the latest technologies in mine detection. The Masam project also includes over 550 experts, deminers and employees working on the ground.

Somaya Al-Mahmoud, the project’s director of public relations and media affairs, said: “Many civilians have been victims of mines. There are many moving stories that evoke the suffering of a population still facing a silent danger that is permanently threatening their lives. The number of mines in Yemen today exceeds that of any other country in the world.”




Somaya Al-Mahmoud, Project Masam’s director of public relations and media affairs. (Supplied)

Al-Mahmoud said that according to a UN study, planting one mine costs between $10 and $20, while removing it costs between $500 and $1,000.

Figures from mid-June 2018 to March 2023:

Masam project engineering teams were able to remove 390,586 mines, unexploded munitions and explosive devices:

239,583 unexploded munitions

7,741 explosive devices

137,197 anti-tank mines

6,065 anti-personnel mines

Total spent on the land mine clearance project in Yemen so far exceeds $167 million.


Palestinian pilgrims express gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive Hajj support 

Updated 03 June 2025
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Palestinian pilgrims express gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive Hajj support 

  • Palestinian pilgrim Ayman Saleh expressed joy at being selected for Hajj this year

MAKKAH: Several Palestinian pilgrims hosted under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah — supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs — offer their thanks to the Kingdom. 

They said the initiative reflected King Salman’s care for Muslims worldwide and his commitment to ensuring they can perform Hajj with dignity and ease, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Palestinian pilgrim Ayman Saleh expressed joy at being selected for Hajj this year and thanked the Saudi leadership for the exceptional services and warm welcome extended to Palestinian pilgrims. 

Pilgrim Hussein Kamal praised the outstanding facilities, saying they reflect the Kingdom’s dedication to serving Palestinian pilgrims and helping them perform Hajj comfortably. He expressed deep appreciation to the Saudi leadership for this generous gesture.

Hundreds of relatives of Palestinian political prisoners and martyrs have arrived to perform Hajj under the program. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs received 500 pilgrims from Gaza on Monday, bringing the total number of Palestinians to 1,000. 

Since its launch in 1996, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ program has hosted thousands of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. This year, the program is hosting 2,443 pilgrims from 100 countries.


Municipalities Ministry launches home delivery permit service, effective July 1

Updated 03 June 2025
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Municipalities Ministry launches home delivery permit service, effective July 1

  • Municipalities will carry out field inspections to ensure compliance and will take regulatory action against violators

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Housing launched the Home Delivery Permit service for food and non-food delivery establishments via the Balady platform, Saudi Press Agency reported Tuesday.

This initiative supports ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life and elevate safety and compliance standards within the delivery sector across the Kingdom.

The delivery service aims to regulate delivery operations within cities by ensuring establishments comply with health and technical requirements, thereby contributing to a safe and efficient environment that enhances consumer confidence.

The requirements for the permit include obtaining a health certificate for all home delivery service workers, securing approval from the authority supervising the commercial activity, clearly displaying the establishment’s name or trademark on delivery vehicles, and ensuring these vehicles comply with the technical and health standards necessary for safe product transportation.

The ministry explained that mandatory enforcement of license issuance will begin on July 1, 2025.

Municipalities will carry out field inspections to ensure compliance and will take regulatory action against violators.

Business owners can apply for the home delivery permit through the Balady platform by visiting: https://balady.gov.sa/en/services/issue-home-delivery-permit.

This initiative is part of the ministry’s broader efforts to develop the regulatory framework for the services sector and to ensure the provision of safe delivery services, in line with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030.

Last month, the ministry announced the launch of the Balady Plus app — an intelligent platform aimed at enhancing quality of life in Saudi cities and facilitating daily mobility for residents and visitors.

According to the ministry, Balady Plus was developed by national talents to be more than just a navigation tool. It offers an interactive 3D map experience with precise local content that reflects the real landscape of Saudi cities and adapts to their changes in real time.

The application features smart mobility services, including live updates on roads, locations, and services. It also supports indoor navigation in commercial centers, alerts users about speed bumps, obstacles, and road closures, and integrates data from government entities and the local community.


20 years after embracing Islam, Uruguayan Muslim fulfills his Hajj dream in Makkah

Updated 03 June 2025
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20 years after embracing Islam, Uruguayan Muslim fulfills his Hajj dream in Makkah

MAKKAH: Luis Abi Rachid, a 70-year-old pilgrim from Uruguay and a guest of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj and Umrah, shared the story of his first-ever flight, which he took this year to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj.

After being selected for the program, supervised and implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Rachid described the journey as one filled with peace and spiritual fulfillment, marking the realization of his lifelong wish to perform the fifth pillar of Islam.

“I arrived in the holy land with indescribable feelings,” he said. “I was on my way to perform Umrah and see the Holy Kaaba for the first time in my life, after only seeing it on television. My heart overflowed with longing for this sacred place.

“Hajj is a dream, especially for new Muslims,” Rachid continued.

“When I was selected for the program, I felt a joy beyond words. All praise is due to Allah Almighty, and then to the leadership of Saudi Arabia for turning my dream — and the dreams of many Muslims around the world — into reality.”

Rachid recounted that his journey to Islam began 20 years ago, when a Muslim friend introduced him to the faith over the course of three months.

During that time, he learned about the Holy Qur’an and the practice of prayer, eventually becoming convinced that Islam is the true religion. Since embracing Islam, he has deepened his faith and understanding and has long dreamed of performing Hajj and visiting the Holy Kaaba.

“I declared my Islam without ever expecting that I would embrace the faith, as I had never considered it,” Rachid said.

“But Allah Almighty guided me and brought me from darkness into spiritual clarity. I felt a peace and inner security I had never known. Islam is a religion of balance, moderation, and tranquility — free from excess, extremism, or rigidity. All praise be to Allah Almighty for guiding me and making me one of the Muslims.”

He expressed his gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their efforts in serving Islam and Muslims and prayed for Saudi Arabia’s continued growth, progress, and prosperity.


New environmental monitoring technologies used for this year’s Hajj

Updated 03 June 2025
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New environmental monitoring technologies used for this year’s Hajj

  • High-tech monitoring systems analyze air, water and soil quality
  • Satellites allow center to dispatch emergency teams rapidly

Jeddah: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Environmental Compliance has begun using new satellite monitoring technologies to protect the environment for this year’s Hajj.

The NCEC uses satellite data to monitor and analyze environmental media, including air, water and soil quality. 

The center relies on satellites to monitor environmental challenges across wide geographic areas at high speed, enabling emergency teams to quickly reach affected sites.

Hani Al-Subhi, director-general of the Makkah Region branch, spoke to Arab News about the center’s use of satellite technology.

“These technologies help pinpoint the precise locations of environmental challenges, facilitating a rapid response and enhancing the provision of a healthy, pollutant-free environment for pilgrims,” he said

Meanwhile, Abu Talib Zaki, a technical expert in monitoring, spoke about how the center cooperates with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology to collect two types of satellite imagery.

The first is passive remote sensing, which measures reflections of light emitted from other objects.

The second is active remote sensing, which uses light from the satellite itself to create images.

The spatial resolution of the images used reaches 30 cm, meaning that each pixel of the image covers 30x30 cm, allowing for high-precision monitoring of environmental phenomena.

The National Center for Environmental Compliance earlier this week completed 90 percent of the preemptive inspections to ensure the safety of water, air, and soil for Hajj.

Monitoring efforts will continue until pilgrims complete their rituals in a healthy, pollutant-free environment.

The center also uses nine air quality monitoring stations — six located in Makkah and the holy sites and three in Madinah.

These stations operate around the clock to measure air quality, and if any pollutant is detected, field teams are dispatched immediately to the site to identify the source and coordinate with the authorities to eliminate the cause of pollution.


Saudi leaders congratulate Karol Nawrocki on winning Poland’s presidential elections

Updated 03 June 2025
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Saudi leaders congratulate Karol Nawrocki on winning Poland’s presidential elections

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman each sent a cable of congratulations to Karol Nawrocki after winning Poland’s presidential elections on Monday.

The King and Crown Prince wished the president success in his duties and the Polish people further progress and prosperity, the Saudi Press Agency said.

Nawrocki won 50.89% of votes in a very tight race against Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who received 49.11%.