Azerbaijan safely neutralizes over 200 mines in formerly occupied areas

The Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) has reported a significant achievement in its ongoing demining operations in the territories liberated from occupation.

ANAMA's weekly report covering March 10-16, says that a total of 204 mines and unexploded ordnance were neutralized across several regions, Caliber.Az reports.

The agency noted that 155 anti-personnel mines, 49 anti-tank mines, and 606 unexploded ordnance were discovered and safely neutralized in Tartar, Aghdara, Kalbajar, Aghdam, Khojaly, Khankandi, Khojavand, Lachin, Shusha, Fuzuli, Gubadli, Jabrayil, and Zangilan districts.

In addition to the successful neutralization of these dangerous devices, a total of 1,651.1 hectares of land were cleared during this period, helping to ensure the safety of residents and facilitate the reconstruction and return to these areas.

Since the end of the Second Karabakh War in November 2020, Azerbaijan has faced significant challenges in clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) from territories regained during the conflict. The ANAMA has been at the forefront of these efforts, working alongside international partners to address the contamination.

From the end of the war up until late 2024, there have been 382 landmine victims in Azerbaijan, including 70 fatalities and 312 injuries. Notably, around 70 per cent of these incidents occurred outside the former line of contact, in civilian areas.

In total, ANAMA cleared some 2,862.5 hectares of land from the dangerous remnants of war, ensuring the safety of local people and paving the way for future rehabilitation and development efforts in these areas.

The demining operations are a crucial part of Azerbaijan's post-conflict recovery plan, aimed at restoring normal life and enabling the return of displaced citizens to their houses. ANAMA continues its vital work, working to eliminate the threat posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance, and ensuring that the liberated regions are safe for reintegration.

By Vafa Guliyeva