Azerbaijani top official warns country faces “silent, invisible threat” from landmines

Azerbaijan continues to live under a “silent, invisible threat” from landmines left behind during decades of occupation, presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev warned on International Mine Awareness Day, April 4.

In a post on X, Hajiyev said around 12 per cent of Azerbaijan’s territory remains contaminated with an estimated 1.5 million landmines planted by Armenian forces during the 30-year-long occupation, Caliber.Az reports.

“While the world moves forward, Azerbaijan continues to live under a silent, invisible threat — every single day,” the post reads. 

April 4 — International Mine Awareness Day 🌍

While the world moves forward, Azerbaijan continues to live under a silent, invisible threat — every single day.

• Around 12 percent of Azerbaijan’s territory contaminated with 1.5 million more landmines by Armenia during 30 year… pic.twitter.com/eiub37iAZ5

— Hikmet Hajiyev (@HikmetHajiyev) April 3, 2026

Since the 2020 ceasefire, more than 400 civilians have been killed or severely injured by mines, even in peacetime.

The widespread contamination obstructs reconstruction and development projects in the Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur regions and hinders the safe and dignified return of displaced residents, he said.

“These are not just numbers. These are lives cut short, families shattered, futures stolen. Demining is not only a technical process — It is about justice. It is about human dignity,” he wrote on X.

By Sabina Mammadli