South African report details scale of Azerbaijan's landmine crisis

South African news platform Independent Online (IOL) has published an in-depth analysis examining Azerbaijan's ongoing landmine crisis, describing it as one of the world's most serious humanitarian demining challenges.

In the article, "Azerbaijan's Landmine Problem: Policy, Progress, and the Path Ahead," journalist Zingisa Mkhuma outlines the long-term impact of landmine contamination across Azerbaijan's liberated territories and the country's efforts to restore safety and enable reconstruction, Caliber.Az reports.

According to the report, Azerbaijan is contending with the legacy of nearly three decades of Armenian occupation, with more than one million landmines and unexploded remnants of war believed to remain scattered across affected areas. Survey data cited in the article indicates that approximately 11,667 square kilometres, or 13.4% of the country's territory, remain contaminated, posing persistent risks to civilians while hampering economic recovery, agricultural activity, infrastructure development, and the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The article notes that the contaminated land includes fertile plains, hilly pastures and mountainous terrain, all of which are critical to local communities and agricultural production. It argues that demining has become a prerequisite for rebuilding liberated areas and implementing Azerbaijan's Great Return program aimed at resettling displaced families.

Mkhuma writes that humanitarian mine clearance intensified following the end of the 2020 war but has been complicated by the lack of comprehensive minefield records. The article also alleges that additional mines were laid after the November 10, 2020 ceasefire until Armenian forces withdrew in September 2023, further increasing the scale of contamination.

Citing official figures, the report states that between 2020 and December 2025, Azerbaijan recorded 253 landmine incidents, resulting in 415 casualties, including 71 fatalities. Among those affected were children, young people and women. Over the past three decades, more than 3,400 Azerbaijanis have reportedly been killed or injured by mines and unexploded ordnance.

The article highlights the central role of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), established in 1998 and reorganized in 2021 to expand its operational capacity. Working alongside state institutions and international partners, ANAMA conducts demining operations in accordance with International Mine Action Standards (IMAS).

According to the report, demining teams cleared 165,872 hectares between November 2020 and October 2024, neutralizing tens of thousands of anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, as well as unexploded ordnance. By January 2026, the total area cleared had reportedly increased to nearly 249,000 hectares, with more than 236,000 explosive devices safely neutralized.

Despite these gains, the article notes that experts estimate complete clearance could take up to 30 years and require approximately $25 billion in funding.

Mkhuma also points to Azerbaijan's legislative and financial efforts to address the challenge, including the adoption of the Law on Mine Action and annual state funding of around 100 million manats. However, the report notes that nearly 95% of demining expenditures are covered by domestic resources, while foreign assistance accounts for less than 5%, underscoring what it describes as the need for greater international support in tackling one of the region's most pressing post-conflict humanitarian issues.

By Vafa Guliyeva