Azerbaijan is one of the most landmine-contaminated countries in the world, Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) Vugar Suleymanov said at the 2nd International Conference on "Mine Action - The Path to Reaching Sustainable Development Goals” held in Aghdam, Report informs.
“These hidden hazards not only cause human tragedies, but has also hinder social and economic development. It is also a major obstacle for peace and stability in the region,” he noted.
“Since November 2020, extensive demining operations by Azerbaijan have resulted in the clearance of 81,386 hectares of land from mines and explosive remnants of war. A total of 88,260 landmines and other explosive remnants of war have been discovered and neutralized, including 28,259 anti-personnel mines, 15,303 anti-tank mines, and 44,698 unexploded ordnances. Despite the progress made, the threat of landmines persists. In the last 32 months 302 citizens of Azerbaijan fell victim to mines and explosive remnants of war. 57 of them died. 245 sustained injuries.”