Azerbaijani deminer injured in mine explosion in Gazakh

An employee of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) was injured in a mine explosion while conducting clearance operations in the liberated village of Gizilhajili, located in the Gazakh district.

The incident occurred when Elnur Pashayev, an ANAMA employee born in 1985, detonated an anti-personnel mine during his work in the region. Pashayev sustained minor injuries from the explosion, Caliber.Az reports, citing the agency.

Following the blast, Pashayev was immediately evacuated to the central district hospital for medical treatment. His condition is currently reported as stable, with no threats to his life.

ANAMA, the agency responsible for mine clearance in Azerbaijan, continues its efforts to ensure the safety and security of liberated areas affected by landmines, which remain a significant threat to local populations.

Azerbaijan has endured the severe consequences of a 30-year-long conflict and occupation by Armenia, which has led to extensive landmine contamination across the country. Roughly 12% of Azerbaijan's territory is polluted by approximately 1.5 million landmines and an unknown number of unexploded ordnances (UXOs). This mine pollution has made Azerbaijan one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world.

Since the war ended in 2020, Azerbaijan has seen 361 of its citizens fall victim to mine explosions, including 68 fatalities and 293 severe injuries. The total number of mine-related victims since the beginning of Armenia's aggression in the early 1990s exceeds 3,400, with 358 children and 38 women among the casualties. The rise in mine victims is attributed to Armenia's failure to provide accurate minefield maps and its deliberate planting of mines in civilian areas such as roads, cemeteries, and other infrastructure behind the former frontlines. From 2020 to 2023, new minefields were created, extending over 500 kilometres of territory.

Humanitarian demining remains a top priority for Azerbaijan's government. The ANAMA is the primary institution responsible for demining operations. To date, approximately 140,000 hectares have been cleared of 119,946 mines and UXOs. However, vast areas remain contaminated, significantly hindering the country’s recovery and the safe return of 800,000 displaced citizens. Azerbaijan has invested heavily in demining efforts, utilising advanced technologies and deploying all-women demining teams. Despite this, the country is funding the majority of its demining operations independently, and international assistance is crucial for further mitigating the humanitarian impact and facilitating the safe restoration of affected regions.

By Vugar Khalilov