Azerbaijan's prosecutor general highlights surge in landmine victims since 2020

As many as 41 individuals fell victim to Armenian landmines in Azerbaijan, said Azerbaijan's Prosecutor General, Kamran Aliyev.

During an extended session of the General Prosecutor's Office on January 27, he noted that five of the victims were killed, and 36 others injured, Caliber.Az reports.

Since November 2020, a total of 382 individuals in Azerbaijan have been affected by landmine explosions and unexploded ordnance, resulting in 70 fatalities and 312 injuries.

To recap, Azerbaijan's National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) has made significant strides in clearing mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) from territories reclaimed from Armenian occupation in November 2020. In 2024 alone, ANAMA reported clearing 62,023 hectares, neutralizing over 2,372 anti-tank mines, 4,256 anti-personnel mines, and 59,163 UXOs.

"These efforts are crucial to ensuring the safety of civilians and facilitating the return of displaced communities," said ANAMA spokesperson, noting the collaboration between the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Emergency Situations, State Border Service, and private contractors.

Demining operations have targeted regions such as Tartar, Aghdam, Shusha, Fuzuli, and Lachin, with significant progress made in dismantling the extensive mine contamination left from three decades of occupation. However, challenges persist, as large areas remain hazardous, hindering the return of displaced residents.

"The clearance of these regions is vital for the rebuilding process, both in terms of safety and the restoration of livelihoods," a government official stated.

By Aghakazim Guliyev