Taliban Says 1,150 Square Kilometers of Afghan Land Still Contaminated with Mines

The Taliban-controlled National Disaster Management Authority has announced that 1,150 square kilometers of land in Afghanistan remain contaminated with mines and unexploded ordnance.

Nouruddin Rustamkhail, Head of Mine Action Coordination, emphasized during a meeting today (Tuesday, April 15) marking International Mine Awareness Day that continued clearance efforts require unconditional support from the international community.

He added, “Mines and unexploded ordnance pose a serious threat to the lives of citizens, especially nomads and livestock owners.”

Nouruddin Turabi, Acting Head of the Taliban Disaster Management Authority, also referred to the consequences of decades of war and said: “Unfortunately, the past use of mines and roadside bombs now endangers people’s lives. We need global cooperation to neutralize these materials.”

According to a report by the International Committee of the Red Cross, in 2024, 564 people have been killed or injured in Afghanistan due to mine and explosive incidents, 434 of whom were children.

The United Nations has also warned that 3.3 million people live within a one-kilometer radius of contaminated areas.

Nesar Ahmad Omarzai, a representative of demining organizations, criticized the reduction in financial support for mine clearance programs compared to previous years and said: “Donor countries should not sacrifice life-saving demining programs for their political agendas.”

These statements come at a time when the suspension of financial aid from the United States and other countries has created a serious funding shortfall for mine clearance projects.

The United Nations has requested a budget of $21.9 million for continuing demining operations this year, but securing this amount appears unlikely in the current climate of halted foreign aid.

Despite limited progress in clearing some contaminated areas, Afghanistan remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world in terms of landmines left over from war.

Organizations active in mine clearance warn that a reduction in international aid not only slows the clearance process but also puts the lives of thousands of civilians—especially children—at extreme risk.