A media tour has been organized in the Aghdam district to provide insights into ongoing demining activities, APA reports.
The tour was arranged by the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) within the framework of the "Great Return" program.
Demining activities within the framework of the Great Return Program
During the tour, it was noted that large-scale humanitarian demining operations are being carried out across Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. These efforts aim to ensure the safe return of residents and support reconstruction. To keep the public informed, regular media tours are held in the liberated territories.
Participation of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and other agencies
Following the Second Karabakh War, the Special Risky Rescue Service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, trained in mine clearance, was deployed alongside other relevant bodies to clear mines and unexploded ordnance. These operations are carried out in villages, settlements, near drinking water sources, and along irrigation canals.
Modern equipment and machinery used in operations
Thanks to the attention and support of President and Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, the personnel involved in demining are equipped with modern technology, including specialized mechanical demining machines.
Areas where demining operations are conducted
As part of the media tour, journalists visited demining operations conducted by the Ministry of Emergency Situations in the villages of Mollalar, Kurdler, and Alimadatli, as well as operations carried out by ANAMA in Sarijali village. The operations involve manual clearance, detection dogs, and mechanical demining tools.
Results of demining operations carried out in Aghdam district
It was highlighted that, to date, 37,154 hectares of land in Aghdam have been cleared, and 31,500 mines and unexploded ordnance have been neutralized.
Clearance process for infrastructure projects
Demining work has also been conducted along key infrastructure routes such as the Barda-Aghdam railway and highway, Fuzuli-Aghdam highway, Aghdam-Hindarkh-Aghjabadi road, the Aghdam industrial park, farmlands, orchards, mineral extraction sites, canals, and gas pipelines.
Areas contaminated with mines by Armenia
Azerbaijan remains one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world. Initial assessments indicate that Armenia planted approximately 1.5 million mines during its occupation of Azerbaijani territories.
Overall results of demining operations
Between November 10, 2020, and May 19, 2025, a total of 200,321 hectares of liberated land have been cleared through demining operations. In this period, 196,056 mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) have been detected and neutralized. Of these, 137,422 were UXO, 36,881 were anti-personnel mines, and 21,753 were anti-tank mines.
Statistics of mine victims
From November 10, 2020, to May 19, 2025, a total of 237 mine incidents were recorded, resulting in 394 victims. Among them, 70 people lost their lives, while 324 sustained varying degrees of injuries. Of the 394 victims, 210 were civilians—including 14 minors and youth, and 1 woman—55 of whom were killed and 155 injured. Among the casualties are also members of the media who lost their lives due to mine explosions while performing their professional duties. Since 1991, over 3,400 people have been registered as mine victims in Azerbaijan. This includes 362 minors and youth, and 38 women.
Follow us on Telegram
t.me/apanewsaz
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
