The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Mine Action Advisor Charles Frisby and expert Javed Habibullah recently visited the headquarters of the "Masam" Landmine Clearance Project in Aden, where they met with Managing Director Osama Algosaibi. During the visit, discussions centered on the critical issue of land mines in Yemen and the "Masam" project's significant achievements in addressing this peril. Algosaibi highlighted the grave impacts of land mines on Yemeni civilians and the extensive areas affected by these deadly devices. He pointed out the international community's inadequate response to Yemen's mine crisis, emphasizing the need for more concerted efforts to support mine clearance and pressure the Houthi group to cease mine-laying activities and comply with international humanitarian law by providing mine maps. The "Masam" project, in partnership with the Yemen Executive Mine Action Center, has made notable strides in clearing mines across nine Yemeni governorates. Algosaibi underscored the pivotal role of the Yemeni populace in the project's success and noted the project's unique practice of regularly publishing detailed reports of its accomplishments, a transparency not matched by other demining organizations in Yemen. Vince, chief technical advisor at the "Masam" project, detailed the methodologies and technologies employed in mine clearance efforts, including the removal and safe disposal of sophisticated and concealed mines, to ensure the safety of Yemeni communities. The UNOPS delegation commended the "Masam" project for its vital contributions to mitigating the mine threat in Yemen. Advisor Charles Frisby lauded the project's organization, both in field operations and in its diligent reporting of progress, recognizing the "Masam" project as a crucial player in alleviating the humanitarian crisis caused by mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and remnants of war. Frisby stressed the urgent need for global support to help Yemen overcome this dire situation and restore normalcy across the country. — SG
