A total of 23,335 hectares of land in Azerbaijan have been cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) during the current year. This progress marks a significant milestone in the ongoing restoration and reconstruction efforts within the liberated territories.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Samir Poladov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA), announced these figures during an event titled "Reconstruction in post-conflict cities: The critical role of humanitarian demining activity." The session was held at the Azerbaijan Pavilion as part of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku. According to Poladov, the operations resulted in the discovery and neutralization of 1,447 anti-personnel mines, 542 anti-tank mines, and 12,302 pieces of unexploded ordnance. "Humanitarian demining is not only about ensuring physical safety but is also fundamental for the safe return of internally displaced persons to their homelands, socio-economic reintegration, and the establishment of peace and sustainable development in the region," he emphasized.
The demining process is a cornerstone of Azerbaijan's "Great Return" program, aimed at rehabilitating territories liberated from occupation. Azerbaijan remains one of the most landmine-contaminated countries in the world, with estimates suggesting hundreds of thousands of mines were planted across these regions. The presence of these explosives continues to pose a major challenge to the rapid reconstruction of cities and villages, as well as the restoration of agricultural activities in Garabagh and East Zangilan. Since the end of the 2020 conflict, Azerbaijan has dedicated significant domestic resources and sought international partnerships to accelerate the clearing of these lands to ensure the safety of returning civilians.
