Azerbaijan clears over 1,500 landmines, unexploded ordnance in Karabakh WEEKLY DATA BY ANAMA / Photo

The Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA) has reported the discovery and neutralisation of 1,549 explosive devices during demining operations conducted between June 10 and June 16 across the country’s liberated territories.

According to the agency’s weekly update, the munitions included 70 anti-personnel mines, 34 anti-tank mines, and 1445 unexploded ordnance (UXOs), posing serious risks to civilians and reconstruction efforts, Caliber.Az reports.

The hazardous items were located across a wide swathe of territory encompassing the districts of Tartar, Aghdara, Kalbajar, Aghdam, Khojaly, Khankendi, Khojavand, Lachin, Shusha, Fuzuli, Gubadli, Jabrayil, and Zangilan.

ANAMA reported that a total of 1,420.9 hectares were cleared during the week, as efforts intensify to ensure the safe return of displaced persons and enable infrastructure development.

Azerbaijan continues to grapple with the devastating aftermath of a 30-year conflict and Armenian occupation, which left approximately 12% of its territory contaminated with around 1.5 million landmines and numerous unexploded ordnance (UXOs).

This has made Azerbaijan one of the world’s most heavily mine-affected countries.

Since the 2020 Second Karabakh War, 397 people have been killed or injured by mines, contributing to a total of more than 3,400 mine victims since the early 1990s, including many children and women.

The humanitarian impact has been exacerbated by Armenia’s refusal to share accurate minefield maps and the deliberate planting of mines in civilian areas.

Demining remains a top priority, with the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) leading clearance operations.

To date, around 140,000 hectares have been cleared, yet vast contaminated zones still pose serious risks. This contamination delays the safe return of some 800,000 displaced persons. 

Despite strong national efforts, including innovative all-women demining teams, international support is crucial to fully address the challenge and ensure long-term safety and rehabilitation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev