Authorities confirm mine blast that killed reserve officer in Aghdam, urge public caution UPDATED

A joint statement from Azerbaijani authorities has confirmed that a deadly landmine explosion occurred on September 23 in the Mirashelli village of the Aghdam district, killing a reserve warrant officer.

According to the statement released by the Press Services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Prosecutor General's Office, and the Mine Action Agency (ANAMA), the victim was identified as Ahmadov Sayyaf Figan, a 1971-born resident of Baharli village. He was killed when a landmine detonated in a cemetery area that had not yet been cleared of explosives, Caliber.Az reports per lcoal media.

An investigation into the incident is currently being conducted by the Aghdam regional prosecutor’s office.

The joint statement has once again called on citizens to follow safety rules, pay attention to mine danger signs and not enter unfamiliar areas. 

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A reserve warrant officer was killed in a landmine explosion in Azerbaijan’s Aghdam district. 

The incident occurred in the village of Shikhlar, where the blast claimed the life of Sayyaf Ahmadov, a reserve officer known locally by his nickname, “Gizir Khani," Caliber.Az reports per local media. 

Since the end of the 2020 war, 399 people have been killed or injured by landmines, adding to a toll of over 3,400 victims since the 1990s—including many women and children. The Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA) has cleared roughly 140,000 hectares, yet large swathes remain contaminated.

By Sabina Mammadli