Clearing path home: ANAMA neutralises over 500 unexploded ordnance in liberated territories

Azerbaijan National Mine Action Agency (ANAMA) has released its latest weekly report detailing the progress of demining operations across territories liberated from occupation.

The report, covering activities from April 28 to May 4, highlights significant advancements in ensuring the safety and rehabilitation of affected regions, Caliber.Az reports via ANAMA.

ANAMA specialists successfully detected and neutralised 32 anti-personnel mines, 19 anti-tank mines, and an alarming 504 unexploded ordnance items during operations conducted in multiple districts. These included Tartar, Aghdara, Kalbajar, Aghdam, Khojaly, Khankandi, Khojavand, Lachin, Shusha, Fuzuli, Gubadli, Jabrayil, and Zangilan.

The agency also reported that a total area of 1,416.9 hectares was systematically surveyed and cleared of hazardous explosive devices. These efforts form part of a broader national campaign aimed at restoring safe living conditions and enabling the return of displaced residents to their ancestral lands.

Following the liberation of Azerbaijani territories from decades-long Armenian occupation, credible reports have emerged indicating the deliberate planting of landmines by Armenian forces. These mines, allegedly deployed as part of a broader military strategy, appear to be aimed at inflicting civilian casualties and obstructing the safe return of internally displaced persons. As a result, they continue to pose a serious threat to human life and regional stability.

In response to this pressing security challenge, Azerbaijan has launched an extensive and coordinated demining initiative. This multi-agency effort involves the Azerbaijan National Mine Action Agency (ANAMA), the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and the State Border Service. Together, these institutions are working meticulously to neutralise explosive hazards, thereby creating conditions conducive to the safe resettlement of liberated areas.

The demining campaign represents a core pillar of Azerbaijan’s broader post-conflict reconstruction strategy. It is not only aimed at restoring safety but also at facilitating the revival of agricultural, residential, and economic activities in regions once rendered uninhabitable by conflict. ANAMA remains at the forefront of these efforts, steadfast in its mission to eliminate remnants of war and safeguard both human life and critical infrastructure.

Conducted in close partnership with domestic stakeholders and international allies, ANAMA’s operations adhere to the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency.

By Vafa Guliyeva