Afghanistan Reports Rising Landmine Casualties, Majority Of Victims Children

The Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) reported that over two-thirds of the victims were children, reflecting their heightened vulnerability to landmine accidents. These incidents occurred across multiple provinces, affecting both urban and rural populations.

Hafiz Mohammad Yousof Hamad, head of ANDMA’s Information Department, stated that demining teams cleared 58 kilometres of land in 2025 and neutralised 24,720 explosive devices.

A total of 155 demining squads remain active throughout the country, carrying out daily mine clearance and public safety activities.

In addition, over 2.1 million people received awareness training last year, educating communities on the dangers of unexploded ordnance and safe practices to reduce accidents. Despite these efforts, approximately 105,000 square kilometres of land remain contaminated.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) placed the country third globally for casualties caused by landmines and other remnants of conflict.

Nearly 80 per cent of victims were children, many injured or killed while playing or unintentionally touching explosives.

UNAMA has called for increased funding to support demining programmes and public awareness initiatives.

UNAMA advised residents to avoid touching suspicious objects and to report them immediately to authorities.

Clearance teams continue to operate daily, removing explosive remnants and working to prevent further civilian injuries and deaths.

Decades of armed conflict have left Afghanistan heavily contaminated with unexploded ordnance.

While demining and awareness efforts continue, the ongoing threat poses a danger to civilians, especially children, emphasising the urgent need for sustained international support and vigilance.

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