Azerbaijan continues landmine removal efforts in liberated regions

The Mine Action Agency of the Azerbaijan Republic (ANAMA) has released its weekly report on demining operations conducted in the liberated Azerbaijani territories from November 11 to November 17.

During the reported period, 126 antipersonnel mines, 29 antitank mines, and 483 unexploded ordnance were revealed in Tartar, Aghdam, Aghdara, Lachin, Fuzuli, Shusha, Khojaly, Khankendi, Kalbajar, Gubadli, Khojavend, Jabrayil, and Zangilan, ANAMA told Caliber.Az.

A total of 972.6 hectares have been cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance.

Following the liberation of Azerbaijani territories from Armenian occupation, credible reports indicate that Armenia has deliberately planted landmines in these areas as part of its military strategy. These mines are said to be aimed at inflicting harm on civilians and obstructing the return of displaced persons, thus presenting a serious security threat to the region.

In response, a wide-ranging demining operation has been launched, involving the coordinated efforts of several agencies, including the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and the State Border Service. These bodies are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the newly liberated areas, enabling displaced individuals to return home and resume their normal lives.

The ongoing demining efforts are a testament to Azerbaijan’s commitment to post-conflict reconstruction and to providing humanitarian support to the areas affected by the recent conflict.

By Aghakazim Guliyev