BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 19. More than 308 hectares of land have been cleared of mines in the Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan districts.
This was reported by the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA).
In addition, it was noted that the latest meeting of the working group for clearing mines and unexploded ordnance, operating under the Interdepartmental Center of the Coordination Headquarters, took place in the Jabrayil District.
As part of their visit to the Jabrayil District, representatives of the Azerbaijan Republic’s Agency for Mine Action and relevant government agencies represented in the Working Group reviewed the humanitarian demining operations being carried out by ANAMA in the village of Hasanli in the Jabrayil District, as well as by a local company engaged in demining activities in the village of Guyujag in the same district.
Members of the Working Group observed the progress of the work and received information on the methods and technologies being used, taking into account the terrain.
Following the site visit in the city of Jabrayil, a regular meeting of the Working Group was held.
Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Agency’s Board and Head of the Working Group, speaking at the meeting, emphasized the importance of measures being taken to eliminate the mine threat in territories liberated from occupation. He noted the need for joint efforts to effectively organize demining operations, coordinate the activities of relevant agencies, and ensure the safe use of these territories.
In addition, it was noted that 100,930 hectares in the Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan districts have been cleared of mines and other explosive ordnance, bringing the total area of cleared territory to 308,945 hectares. During the operations, 267,932 explosive devices were detected and neutralized. To ensure safety along the former line of contact, fencing was installed along 412-kilometer stretches characterized by a high level of contamination with mines and other explosive ordnance.
Addressing the meeting, Vahid Hajiyev, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan districts, stated that demining plays a crucial role in the successful continuation of reconstruction and construction work in the territories liberated from occupation. He emphasized the particular importance of clearing land of mines and unexploded ordnance to ensure the safety of the population, accelerate the return of former internally displaced persons to their homelands, and effectively implement infrastructure and economic projects.
Other members of the Working Group presented a report on the work their organizations have done to clear areas of landmines. The meeting also highlighted the importance of heeding warning signs about mine hazards and discussed the potential risks and negative consequences of trespassing on fenced-off areas, as well as ways to prevent such incidents.
