Skip to main content
Latest news
Thumbnail

Dozens Die Every Day As Mines Remain A Challenge

The State Minister for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs Wais Barmak on Monday said at least 81 people die in explosions, either mines or other IEDs, every day in Afghanistan.

Barmak said at a gathering that mines, which also date back to previous wars, is a serious challenge.

He said the demining mission needs increased international aid.

According to him, 73 percent of Afghanistan is cleared of mines; however, the existence of mines in more than 250 districts still pose a threat to rural residents.

“Figures from June until now show that 142 to 145 people die on a daily basis of which 57 to 58 percent of them lose their lives as a result of mines and explosive devices,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the British Ambassador in Kabul Dominic Jermey signed an agreement worth seven million pounds with a number of demining organizations which will help demine 9.6 million square meters of land in Logar, Khost, Samangan, Balkh and Baghlan provinces.

“I believe demining as a critical part of building a brighter and more stable future for this great country. Land must be freed from this scourge of explosives and returned to cultivation and development and that’s why the United Kingdom today is supporting such vital activity,” he said.

However, a number of demining officials said insecurity was a big challenge for their mission in many parts of the country.

“I am working as a demining official for the past 21 years but nowadays insecurity is one of the main challenges for our activity,” said Mohammad Osman, an official from the HALO Trust.

“I have worked for a demining mission for the past nine years. The only problem in our mission is insecurity,” said Fraidoon, another demining official.

According to Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority, militants have placed mines in 14 districts over the past few months which pose a new threat to people.

Dozens Die Every Day As Mines Remain A Challenge

Reports indicate militants have placed mines in 14 districts over the past few months which pose a new threat to people.

Thumbnail

The State Minister for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs Wais Barmak on Monday said at least 81 people die in explosions, either mines or other IEDs, every day in Afghanistan.

Barmak said at a gathering that mines, which also date back to previous wars, is a serious challenge.

He said the demining mission needs increased international aid.

According to him, 73 percent of Afghanistan is cleared of mines; however, the existence of mines in more than 250 districts still pose a threat to rural residents.

“Figures from June until now show that 142 to 145 people die on a daily basis of which 57 to 58 percent of them lose their lives as a result of mines and explosive devices,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the British Ambassador in Kabul Dominic Jermey signed an agreement worth seven million pounds with a number of demining organizations which will help demine 9.6 million square meters of land in Logar, Khost, Samangan, Balkh and Baghlan provinces.

“I believe demining as a critical part of building a brighter and more stable future for this great country. Land must be freed from this scourge of explosives and returned to cultivation and development and that’s why the United Kingdom today is supporting such vital activity,” he said.

However, a number of demining officials said insecurity was a big challenge for their mission in many parts of the country.

“I am working as a demining official for the past 21 years but nowadays insecurity is one of the main challenges for our activity,” said Mohammad Osman, an official from the HALO Trust.

“I have worked for a demining mission for the past nine years. The only problem in our mission is insecurity,” said Fraidoon, another demining official.

According to Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority, militants have placed mines in 14 districts over the past few months which pose a new threat to people.

Share this post