Azerbaijani sappers defuse over 80 landmines in liberated lands  ANAMA weekly report

The Mine Action Agency of the Azerbaijan Republic (ANAMA) has released its weekly report on demining operations conducted in the liberated Azerbaijani territories during December 2 to 8.

Throughout the mentioned period, 57 antipersonnel mines, 29 antitank mines, and 461 unexploded ordnance were revealed in Tartar, Aghdam, Aghdara, Lachin, Fuzuli, Shusha, Khojaly, Khankendi, Kalbajar, Gubadli, Khojavend, Jabrayil, and Zangilan, ANAMA told Caliber.Az.

A total of 768.4 hectares have been cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance.

Thus, following the liberation of Azerbaijani territories previously under Armenian occupation, credible reports suggest that Armenia intentionally planted landmines in these areas as part of its military tactics. These mines pose a significant threat to civilians and hinder the return of displaced residents.

In response, Azerbaijan has launched extensive demining operations, involving coordination between ANAMA, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and the State Border Service. These efforts aim to clear the liberated regions of explosives, ensuring safety and enabling displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.

This initiative highlights Azerbaijan's dedication to post-conflict recovery and its commitment to addressing humanitarian challenges in the affected areas.

The landmine issue in Karabakh has posed significant challenges for an extended period. Armenia's initial refusal to provide minefield maps, followed by the submission of inaccurate ones, highlights the ongoing tensions in the region.

Armenia has handed over eight minefield maps of areas situated in the liberated territories to Azerbaijan.

According to the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), these maps primarily consist of details regarding mined areas around the Murovdag peak in the Kalbajar region.

The maps cover certain sections of the former contact line; however, they lack information about the portions passing through the Khojavand, Tartar, and Goranboy districts, as well as areas mined by Armenian forces during their retreat in November 2020.

By Aghakazim Guliyev