Tazeen Akhtar from Islamabad, Pakistan
Karabakh region of Azerbaijan is one of the most heavily mined areas in the world, with one Million mines planted in civilian infrastructure, agricultural lands, and cemeteries. This status is unchanged in both phases, during the occupation of Azerbaijani lands and in the aftermath of the Second Karabakh War. Thus, Azerbaijanis are victims of landmines infested by Armenia. The mines had been produced in Armenia and implanted along the whole perimeters of “grey zone”.
The landmines have caused thousands of casualties since the early 1990s, with a significant surge in deaths and injuries following the Sep / Nov 2020 Second Karabakh War. Victims include civilians, journalists, and state officials, particularly in areas like Kalbajar.
Based on official data from the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) and the Prosecutor General’s Office as of late 2025/early 2026, over 400 Azerbaijani citizens have become victims of landmines and unexploded ordnance since the end of the 44-day Patriotic War in November 2020.
Latest Casualties (Post-2020 War – As of late 2025):
Total : Over 415 citizens have been victims of mine incidents.
Fatalities: 71 people have been killed including Civilians, Children and Soldiers
Injured: 344 people have been injured including Civilians, Children and Soldiers
Incidents: Approximately 253 incidents have occurred since November 2020.
Victim Profile: Victims include civilians, journalists, and deminers, with incidents occurring in formerly occupied territories (Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur).
Long-Term Casualties (1991–2025):
Since the beginning of the conflict in the early 1990s, more than 3,400 citizens have been killed or injured by landmines.
Contamination:
Minefield Density: Azerbaijan estimates that over 1.5 million landmines were planted by Armenian forces during the decades-long occupation.
Armenia Seeking Peace with her Landmines in Azerbaijan and not Sharing the Maps ? By – Tazeen Akhtar
Unmarked Areas: Many mines are located in areas not covered by maps provided by Armenia, according to ANAMA.
Since 2020, over 248,000 hectares of land have been cleared, with over 236,000 mines and explosive devices neutralized. Still the situation remains critical, as many minefield maps are missing or inaccurate, leaving the region heavily contaminated.
Mines have rendered large tracts of agricultural and woodland unusable, severely impacting local livelihoods and food security. The landmines damage the environment and hinder the socioeconomic development of the region.
Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia have been tense since 1991 when the Armenian military occupied Karabakh, a territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, and seven adjacent regions. In the fall of 2020, Azerbaijan liberated several cities, villages, and settlements from Armenian occupation during 44 days of clashes. The war ended with a Russia-brokered cease-fire.
On August 8, 2025, Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a landmark agreement at the White House in Washington, brokered by President Trump, to end decades of conflict. The 17-clause agreement includes mutual recognition of sovereignty, the opening of transport routes (specifically the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, or TRIPP), and a commitment to cease hostilities.
Main step , Armenia was supposed to take ASAP to move towards the end of hostilities should have been sharing the exact maps of the land mines and cooperating with Azerbaijan in clearing the mines but Armenia turned a deaf ear to this matter. Instead the mines were continued to be delivered from Armenia and planted in the Karabakh region even after the 2020 war, that is deliberate terrorism.
President Ilham Aliyev characterises Armenia’s alleged planting of over one million landmines as a major war crime and a significant barrier to post-conflict reconstruction and the “Great Return” of displaced persons. President has repeatedly demanded that Armenia provide accurate maps of the mines and has called for international support in the demining process.
The persistent presence of landmines is not only a humanitarian crisis but also a significant barrier to long-term peace and stability in the region. In light of the growing toll on civilian lives and the continuing risk to both local populations and those involved in post-war reconstruction efforts, Azerbaijan is calling for immediate and sustained international support to address this critical issue.
The wars come to end one day but the scars of the wars are healed with the passage of time leaving the marks behind for decades.
Reconstruction in Karabakh means restoration of humanity in these long time war torn regions. The mines can bring devastating consequences for the civilians returning to their ancestral lands. The world community , especially the big players of the region and the world are supposed to play their part here where it is actually meant for peace and humanity.
