Another landmine blast in Aghdam costs Azerbaijani policeman his foot

A police officer was seriously injured after stepping on a landmine in Azerbaijan's Aghdam district on June 30, according to a joint statement by the country’s Interior Ministry, the General Prosecutor’s Office, and the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA).

The incident occurred in the village of Papravend, which was liberated from Armenian occupation during the 2020 Second Karabakh War, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The officer, who was serving in the Aghdam District Police Department at the time, was performing his duties when he triggered an anti-personnel mine.

As a result of the explosion, the officer sustained severe injuries and had to undergo an amputation of his right foot at the ankle.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Despite ongoing mine clearance operations across the liberated territories, landmines continue to pose a deadly threat to civilians and security personnel alike. Azerbaijani officials have repeatedly called for greater international support in accelerating demining efforts and holding Armenia accountable for extensive mine contamination in the formerly occupied regions.

Azerbaijan continues to face the devastating legacy of a 30-year conflict and occupation by Armenia, which left about 12 per cent of its territory contaminated with roughly 1.5 million landmines and countless unexploded ordnance (UXOs). This contamination has made Azerbaijan one of the most mine-affected countries worldwide.

From the end of the 2020 Second Karabakh War to May 31, 2025, 397 people were killed or injured by mines, adding to a total of over 3,400 mine victims since the early 1990s, including hundreds of children and women. Armenia’s refusal to share accurate minefield maps and the planting of mines in civilian areas have worsened the humanitarian toll.

Demining remains a critical priority for Azerbaijan, with the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) leading clearance efforts. So far, around 140,000 hectares have been cleared, but vast contaminated areas still pose serious risks, delaying the safe return of 800,000 displaced people. Despite significant national investment and innovative approaches like all-women demining teams, international support remains essential to fully address the challenge.

By Khagan Isayev