Azerbaijan, Slovenia discuss landmine challenges in Karabakh

Azerbaijani Ambassador to Austria and Slovenia, Permanent Representative to the OSCE and other international organizations in Vienna Rovshan Sadigbayli, has discussed the mine problem with Director General of the non-governmental organization ITF Enhancing Human Security (formerly the International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance) Tomaž Lovrenčič.

“Good meeting with Director of ITF Tomaž Lovrenčič. Discussed landmine challenges faced by Azerbaijan, continued support and cooperation of ITF with ANAMA [Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency] in mine action,” Caliber.Az quotes Sadigbayli as saying on his X page.

The ambassador emphasised that mine clearance is a key priority for Azerbaijan.

It is crucial to note that after the end of the Second Karabakh War, the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) has been actively working on clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance in the liberated territories.

As of March 17, 2025, the ANAMA reported significant progress in demining operations within the territories liberated following the 2020 Second Karabakh War. Between March 10 and March 16, ANAMA cleared approximately 1,651.1 hectares of land across several districts, including Tartar, Aghdara, Kalbajar, Aghdam, Khojaly, Khankendi, Khojavand, Lachin, Shusha, Fuzuli, Gubadli, Jabrayil, and Zangilan. During this period, a total of 155 anti-personnel mines, 49 anti-tank mines, and 606 unexploded ordnances (UXOs) were detected and neutralized.

In addition to ANAMA, other relevant state institutions, local companies, and non-governmental organizations are involved in demining efforts. International cooperation has also played a role, with support from countries such as the UK, the US, Canada, Israel, and Hungary. For instance, the UK has provided £500,000 in aid for demining efforts in Azerbaijan since 2020.

Veterans of the Karabakh War are also actively involved in demining operations. ANAMA employs over 200 veterans in its mine clearance operations.

Modern technologies and equipment are being utilized to accelerate the demining process. The Karabakh Revival Fund, in collaboration with donors and partners, donated a "Revival P" demining machine to ANAMA, which is now being used in liberated areas for reconstruction and development projects.

Overall, ANAMA and other relevant institutions, through international cooperation and modern technologies, are making significant progress in ensuring the liberated areas are safe and suitable for habitation and development.

By Khagan Isayev