Armenia officially recognized as mine-producing country following Karabakh incidents

The latest Landmine Monitor report acknowledges Armenia as a country producing antipersonnel mines following Azerbaijan's reports from September 2022 on Armenian forces' distribution of those in Karabakh.

The 2023 Monitor report, published on November 14 has added Armenia to its list of countries producing antipersonnel mines following Azerbaijan's reports amid fresh landmine discoveries in Karabakh, bringing the list to a total of 12 countries.

The report further notes, that although Armenia denies any involvement in the production of landmines, "reputable technical sources have now listed the PMN-E antipersonnel mine and attributed its production to Armenia". It further states, that "while many questions remain about the origin and specific production details of the PMN-E mine, the Monitor considers that “production” could also include modifying the original manufacturer’s product for improved performance in combat and then re-loading, re-assembling, and repackaging the items into a condition suitable for storage or use".

It further reports, that almost half of the civilians killed and injured by landmines last year were children, with the highest number in Syria followed by Ukraine and Yemen.

The latest Landmine Monitor report reveals at least 4,710 casualties of mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) were recorded last year, with 1,661 killed and 3,015 injured.

It says civilians made up 85 per cent of all recorded casualties, where the military or civilian status was known (4,341).

The highest number of casualties was in Syria (834) for the third consecutive year and Ukraine recorded the second highest total (608), a ten-fold increase on the previous year.