Azerbaijan neutralises over 100 mines in liberated lands during one week Report by ANAMA

The Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) has released its weekly demining report, highlighting significant progress in clearing land in areas liberated from occupation.

Between March 3 and March 9, ANAMA’s efforts led to the discovery and neutralisation of 90 anti-personnel mines, 48 anti-tank mines, and 605 unexploded ordnance (UXO), ANAMA told Caliber.Az. 

The mines and ordnance were found in various districts, including Tartar, Aghdara, Kalbajar, Aghdam, Khojaly, Khankendi, Khojavend, Lachin, Shusha, Fuzuli, Gubadli, Jabrayil, and Zangilan. 

In total, ANAMA’s operations cleared 1,365.3 hectares of land from these dangerous remnants of war. 

Following the 44-day war that reignited on September 27, 2020, the Azerbaijani government has focused on demining operations in the territories liberated from Armenian occupation. 

Since the cessation of hostilities, Azerbaijan has made significant strides in restoring stability to these liberated areas. Demining operations are a joint effort involving ANAMA’s mine disposal teams, specialists from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Border Services Command, and even personnel from the Turkish Armed Forces. The operations are supported by cutting-edge machinery from Türkiye, Britain, Slovakia, and Croatia, ensuring that the process is both efficient and safe. A locally-produced minesweeper, known as Revival-P1, has also been deployed in these efforts.

In addition to traditional demining methods, Azerbaijan has signed a contract with the British company Arpies NRC to conduct aerial research in the liberated territories using drones and advanced technology. This cutting-edge approach aims to expedite the clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in difficult-to-reach areas, ensuring that the land is made safe for resettlement and development.

By Naila Huseynova