US Embassy: Mines in Karabakh block economic development, hinder safe return of displaced people

Mine contamination in Karabakh is blocking economic development and preventing the safe return of displaced people.

The statement came from US Embassy in response to an enquiry by Trend regarding the deaths of two civilians on March 16 as a result of a mine explosion in the Aghdam district of Azerbaijan.

"The US Embassy expresses its condolences to the family members of those killed in a landmine explosion in the Aghdam district. Landmines and unexploded ordnance in the conflict-affected area continue to kill and maim civilians," the embassy said.

The embassy said the US supports humanitarian demining efforts.

"To promote regional peace and cooperation, the United States has allocated $2.5 million for humanitarian demining in conflict-affected areas since November 2021," the US embassy said.

It should be noted that on March 16 two residents of Yusifjanli village of the Aghdam region were killed as a result of a mine explosion. Israil Ibrahim oglu Hasanov (born 1999) and Amid Huseyn oglu Hasanov (born 1987) were blown up by a mine while grazing cattle.