The use of mines in conflict zones poses significant dangers, threatening the safety and well-being of civilians and soldiers alike. Sadly, examples from the Azerbaijan-Armenian War underscore the severity of the associated risks, highlighting the pressing need for increased international efforts to address this issue globally. Both countries employed these devices in their long conflict.
Mines, both anti-tank (AT) and anti-personnel (AP), pose an ongoing threat, causing grave harm not only during wartime but often persisting long after conflicts have ended. Such is the case along the former front lines between Azerbaijan and Armenia. These devices, scattered across battlefields, continue to kill, and maim innocent civilians, turning post-war regions into perilous kill zones. These hidden killers impact not only civilians but also delay reconstruction and hamper the return of internally displaced persons, perpetuating the cycle of suffering long after the guns have fallen silent.
Following this war, mines created a severe humanitarian crisis. According to the Azerbaijani Mine Action Agency, over 150 civilians were killed and more than 400 were injured by mines in the territories along the former front lines. These casualties, including women and children, are tragic, reinforcing the urgency to prevent further mine-related incidents. The psychological and physical toll on individuals, families, and communities cannot be understated.
The use of mines has far-reaching economic and social consequences. They hinder agricultural activities, restricting access to fertile lands and undermining food security. They obstruct the safe reconstruction of critical infrastructure, hampering the recovery process and exacerbating poverty. Moreover, these economic setbacks, combined with the fear that these devices engender, create considerable barriers to the return to normalcy, both for individuals and the society at large.
Their impact extends beyond human casualties and socio-economic devastation. Mines cause severe environmental damage, polluting water sources, rendering agricultural lands unusable, and destroying delicate ecosystems. This environmental degradation endures for generations, significantly affecting biodiversity and hindering stability in conflict-affected regions.
Addressing the dangers more globally requires strong, multilateral action. International organizations, such as the United Nations and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). These play a crucial role in fostering global cooperation, advocating for mine clearance efforts; providing assistance for survivors; and promoting legislative frameworks to prevent further use of mines. If you wonder why the recent Ukrainian offensive in their war against Russia has seemingly stalled, it is because of the Russian Army’s massive employment of tens of thousands of mines. At war’s end, it will likely take many decades to remove them. More civilians will die before that process is completed. To prevent future mine-related calamities, it is vital to bring more pressure to bear on involved parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and conventions, such as the Ottawa Treaty, which bans antipersonnel mines.
Regrettably, I have seen the damage done by mines in my long military and United Nations careers in places like Egypt (Sinai), Cambodia, Lebanon, Iraq, and now, Azerbaijan as well. All of which served to reinforce my sense of the urgent need for concerted global efforts to address this issue. The humanitarian crisis caused by mines demands immediate action to protect civilians and support affected communities. International organizations, governments, and civil society must collaborate to ensure assistance, rehabilitation, and mine clearance efforts, foster a better future for conflict-affected regions.
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** Originally published under a different title in the Tampa Bay Times and used with permission.
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