Mine explosion injures herdsman in Azerbaijan’s Aghdam district

A mine-related incident occurred in Chamanli village of Azerbaijan’s Aghdam district on April 2.

The explosion injured local resident Nuraddin Abbasov, 57, while he was herding livestock in an area that had not been cleared of mines yet, Caliber.Az reports via a joint statement released by the Azerbaijani Prosecutor General’s Office, the Interior Ministry and the Mine Action Agency of the Azerbaijan Republic (ANAMA).

Abbasov was walking through an uncleared stretch of land near the former front line when an anti-personnel mine detonated, causing a severe injury to his leg. The wounded man was immediately evacuated and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities have confirmed that an investigation into the incident is underway, with the Aghdam District Prosecutor's Office leading the inquiry.

Following the 2020 second Karabakh war, Azerbaijan gained control of territories that had been occupied by Armenian forces for nearly three decades. However, a significant challenge remained - extensive mine contamination. These mines pose a big threat to civilians attempting to return to their houses and livelihoods, as well as hindering reconstruction efforts.

The Azerbaijani government launched extensive mine clearance operations shortly after the war ended in November 2020. Mine Action Agency of the Azerbaijan Republic (ANAMA) is leading the demining efforts. ANAMA has deployed specialists and advanced equipment from various countries, including Türkiye, UK, Slovakia, and Croatia.

By Naila Huseynova