Azerbaijan's Mine Action Agency to increase demining personnel in Gazakh District

The Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) has announced plans to increase the number of personnel involved in humanitarian demining operations in the Gazakh region.

Since April 2024, demining efforts have been underway in areas of the Gazakh district that were freed from occupation, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

To date, 59.9 hectares of land have been cleared, with 857 anti-personnel mines, 95 anti-tank mines, and 38 unexploded ordnance items successfully neutralised.

Last year, delimitation work established a 12.7-kilometre border line, which facilitated Azerbaijan’s return of 6.5 square kilometres of land from four villages in Gazakh: Baganis Ayrim, Ashagi Askipara, Kheyrimli, and Gizilhajili.

On May 24, Azerbaijan’s State Border Service took control of these territories in the Gazakh district.

Note that, Azerbaijan’s commitment to post-conflict reconstruction and humanitarian aid in the affected regions is evident through ANAMA’s ongoing efforts.

The organisation's successful demining operations highlight its dedication and efficiency, working alongside partners to remove the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance, thereby aiding recovery and development in the liberated areas.

Following the liberation of Azerbaijani territories from Armenian occupation, reports suggest that Armenia intentionally planted landmines in these regions as part of its military strategy. These mines, designed to harm civilians and hinder the return of displaced persons, continue to pose a serious security threat.

By Aghakazim Guliyev