Khankandi faces major threat from booby traps Claims chief of Azerbaijan campaign against mines

Hafiz Safikhanov, Chairman of the "Azerbaijan Campaign Against Landmines" public association, has revealed that Khankandi is the most severely impacted area by booby traps following the recent Patriotic War.

According to Safikhanov, the majority of humanitarian demining operations in Azerbaijan are funded by the state, with substantial annual investments in addressing this pressing issue, Caliber.Az reports.

Safikhanov reported that over 500,000 mines and unexploded ordnance have been identified in regions reclaimed during anti-terrorist operations. He highlighted that booby traps present a particularly severe risk in Khankandi, where they are most frequently encountered.

Regarding financial expenditures on demining, Safikhanov disclosed that since the signing of the trilateral statement on November 10, 2020, Azerbaijan has invested a significant $349 million into demining efforts in liberated areas. This funding reflects the ongoing challenges associated with ensuring these areas are made safe and secure.

As of July 31, 2024, a total of 126,663 mines and unexploded ordnance have been discovered in these territories. This figure comprises 32,940 anti-personnel mines, 19,956 anti-tank mines, and 73,767 unexploded ordnance units, underscoring the extensive scale of the demining operations required.

The funding for these critical demining initiatives includes both state resources and international contributions. Of the $349 million expended, $16 million has been provided by international organizations and various countries, reflecting global solidarity and support for Azerbaijan's demining efforts.