Azerbaijan reports total of 3,460 mine victims, including children, women since 1991

The total number of mine victims in Azerbaijan has reached 3,460, including 359 children and 38 women, a report from the Mine Action Agency of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) says.

From 1991 until November 10, 2020, a total of 2,418 individuals were injured by mines, with 530 fatalities and 131 injuries attributed to cluster munitions, resulting in a cumulative total of 3,079 mine victims during that period, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Since November 10, 2020, there have been 311 casualties and 70 deaths, bringing the total number of mine victims in this timeframe to 381, ANAMA stated.

Notably, 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 tactics.

These mines are believed to target civilians and obstruct the return of displaced people, creating a serious security hazard.

In response, a large-scale demining operation has been initiated, with cooperation from 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 organizations are working together to ensure the safety of the liberated regions, allowing civilians to return and rebuild their lives safely.

By Vafa Guliyeva