The main part of the mines is located along the former contact line. These areas were protected by various military fortifications, anti-tank and anti-personnel minefields.
Modern.az reports that Emil Hasanov, Deputy Chairman of the Public Council under ANAMA, stated this at the event titled "Reconstruction of cities after conflict: the decisive role of humanitarian mine clearance" within the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku.
He noted that many visitors to the liberated territories witnessed these scenes:
"Destroyed houses, construction debris, booby traps, and abandoned ammunition are widespread in these areas.
During operations, booby traps were also discovered in various districts. Usually, such traps are placed around doors and windows."
He also emphasized that there are forest areas in the liberated territories.
"A significant part of mine explosions occurred precisely in these areas. Especially immediately after the war, people tried to return to the lands they had been away from for more than 30 years, and at that time, many people were killed and injured as a result of numerous explosions.
In some cases, we also find mines attached to trees. Mines are also placed around caves, water wells, and ancient underground irrigation systems. These ancient water channels were once the only source of water for irrigation in many areas."
The ANAMA official reminded that since 2020, 425 people have been affected by mines and other explosive devices:
"Of them, 73 people died, and hundreds were seriously injured. The majority of the victims are civilians of various age groups. Unfortunately, there are also child mine victims."
As a result of the large-scale mine risk awareness program implemented across the country after 2020, the number of incidents among civilians has decreased. Nevertheless, such incidents still occur periodically."
E. Hasanov also added that most of the recorded incidents occurred quite far from the former contact line:
"The information provided by the other side mainly indicated mining only along the former contact line. However, out of 260 recorded incidents, only 101 occurred in those areas. In all other cases, mines were placed more widely and irregularly.
The exact location of many minefields is unknown, and their maps do not exist."
