Unexploded Ordnance Claims 137 Lives in 2024: Official
The Directorate of Mine Action Coordination says that since the beginning of 2024, 137 people have been killed and 330 others injured as a result of unexploded ordnance detonations.
Nooruddin Rustamkhil, the head of this directorate, told that during this period, 150 square kilometers of land across the country have been cleared of unexploded mines.
He said: “Since the start of 2024, nearly 240 incidents have occurred nationwide, resulting in a total of 470 victims. Among them, 386 are children who have either been martyred or injured.”
The breakdown of fatalities caused by mines and unexploded ordnance in 2024 is as follows:
• 10 men
• 2 women
• 103 boys
• 22 girls
The breakdown of injuries caused by mines and unexploded ordnance in 2024 is as follows:
• 53 men
• 16 women
• 226 boys
• 38 girls
Rustamkhil also stated that 57 teams are actively working to raise public awareness about the dangers of mines.
Sadeq Shinwari, a military affairs expert, said: “Relevant organizations must collaborate in neutralizing mines and unexploded ordnance to prevent further casualties.”
Hadi Quraishi, another military expert, said: “Public awareness must be enhanced so people can avoid these dangers. Additionally, demining should be conducted according to existing maps showing mined areas.”
According to statistics provided by the Directorate of Mine Action Coordination, since the beginning of the current year, $37.87 million has been allocated to the directorate, and 2,500 individuals are actively working to clear the country of mines.
