Mine Action Weekly, 17 - 23 February 2025
Markus Schindler
Strategic Development & Innovation Manager at FSD | Editor of Mine Action Weekly | Capacity Development & Localisation Geek | Researcher
Welcome to the newest edition of the Mine Action Weekly newsletter - your go-to source for the most important global updates from the mine action sector. Read about the latest news on EO contamination & clearance, EORE, accidents and victim assistance, advocacy efforts, stockpile destruction, mine action innovation & technology, and assistance, cooperation & funding - right here, every Monday. Dive right in and stay up-to-date!
Disclaimers:
Weekly News Roundup
The weekly news roundup showcases a low-down of the top mine action news and insights from the past seven days.
1. EO Contamination, Clearance & Land Release
???? Afghanistan remains among most landmine-contaminated countries, ICRC warns
Afghanistan remains among the world's most landmine-contaminated countries, with over 65 square kilometers affected across 26 provinces as of November 2024. In 2023, landmines and unexploded ordnance caused 651 casualties, disproportionately affecting children.
???? Azerbaijan: ANAMA: 935.6 hectares cleared of mines and UXOs over past week
During mine-clearing operations from 10 to 16 February, 122 anti-personnel mines, 51 anti-tank mines, and 306 unexploded ordnances (UXOs) were found and neutralised, Azerbaijan’s Mine Action Agency said in a statement. 935.6 hectares were cleared of mines and UXOs over the past week. Read more here.
???? Colombia: Jalisco Cartel Using Fake Bodyguard Job Ads to Recruit Former Colombian Soldiers to Produce Landmines
The Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) is actively recruiting Colombian soldiers in order to handle the installation and production of explosives, more concretely landmines, according to testimony from a former Colombian soldier.
???? Iraq: Basra sounds alarm, landmine threat escalates, demands action
The Basra Human Rights Office has called on the local government to implement key recommendations from the Landmine and War Remnants Victims Committee, urging immediate action to address the “growing threat” of unexploded ordnance, an official said on Tuesday.
???? Israel launches first-ever underwater ordnance clearance project off Tel Aviv coast
The Defence Ministry operation off the coast of Rishon Lezion aims to remove unexploded munitions from the seabed; the two-year initiative will clear a former military testing site and prepare the area for new infrastructure while protecting marine life.
???? ???? Laos: Russia continues mine clearance operation in eastern Laos
Over the past three months, Lao and Russian military bomb disposal experts have removed 285 items of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from a planned total area of 187,180 square metres in Viengxay district, Huaphan province. So far, 157,887 square metres of land have been surveyed and cleared of UXO, with 29,395 square metres still remaining.
???? Mali: Restoring Hope and boosting protection of communities affected by explosives in the Centre of Mali
In central Mali, a project initiated by Folkekirkens N?dhj?lp (DanChurchAid) and its Malian partner, Association d’Appui aux Actions de Développement Rural (AAPPOR) in 2024 aims to assist nearly 23,000 people in Niono, Macina, San, and Tominian districts by April 2025. This initiative focuses on restoring hope and enhancing protection for communities affected by explosives.
???? Palestine: More than $50 billion needed to rebuild Gaza, World Bank joint assessment says
More than $50 billion will be required to rebuild Gaza after the 15-month Israel-Hamas conflict in the Palestinian enclave, according to an assessment released by the United Nations, the European Union and the World Bank. Years of rebuilding work, including clearing unexploded ordinance and millions of tonnes of rubble lie ahead.
???? Syria: Explosive Ordnance Contamination in Syria
Extensive contamination by explosive remnants of war (ERW) and unexploded ordnance (UXO) poses a significant threat to the safety of civilians and seriously undermines Syria's recovery efforts. In areas where families are starting to return to their homes and land, this contamination is a real and omnipresent danger. This briefing paper gives an overview of the gravity of the problem and updates the previous brief published by Handicap International - Humanity & Inclusion in 2024.
???? Syria: Two-thirds of Syrians at risk of unexploded bombs: NGO
Two-thirds of Syrians, approximately 15 million people, face risks from unexploded ordnance after nearly 14 years of civil war. Experts estimate that 100,000 to 300,000 munitions remain undetonated, posing significant threats as displaced individuals return home. Read more here.
???? Ukraine: Three Years of War Makes Ukraine One of World’s Most Mined Countries
Three years of conflict have rendered Ukraine one of the world's most mined countries. The HALO Trust has expanded its workforce from 400 to over 1,500, clearing more than 36,000 explosive devices and securing 7.1 million square meters of land.
???? Ukraine: Norwegian organisation NPA plans to demine more than 2,000 hectares of Mykolaiv region in 2025
In 2025, specialists from the Norwegian international organisation Norwegian People's Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp (NPA) will continue to survey and demine the territories of Mykolaiv region.
???? Ukraine: Over 35% of mine action specialists in Ukraine women – Defence Ministry
Over 35% of mine action specialists in Ukraine are women, according to the Defence Ministry. This significant female representation highlights their crucial role in demining efforts across the country.
???? Ukraine: Five things you should know about… explosive ordnance contamination in Ukraine
There is massive contamination in Ukraine as a consequence of the armed conflict that began in 2014 and intensified after Russia's full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022. Read more here.
???? Ukraine: Due to Adverse Weather Conditions, UDS Suspended Work at Three Sites in Mykolaiv and Kyiv Regions
Ukrainian Demining Services (UDS) has suspended operations at three sites in Mykolaiv and Kyiv regions due to adverse weather conditions, including icy roads and deep snow, which compromise safety protocols. Work continues at locations where conditions permit adherence to safety standards.
???? Ukraine: UDS Demonstrates Capabilities to GICHD Experts
In February 2025, Ukrainian Demining Services (UDS) showcased their demining operations to Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) experts in Kozintsi village, Kyiv region. The demonstration included remote-controlled machinery and live drone footage, highlighting UDS's comprehensive mine action processes.
???? ?? United States Funding Freeze:
???? Yemen: KSrelief Masam Project Clears 536 Mines in Yemen in the Second Week of February
The Saudi Masam Landmine Clearance Project - Yemen implemented by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), successfully removed 536 mines during the second week of February. The cleared ordnance included 9 anti-personnel mines, 48 anti-tank mines, 478 unexploded ordnance, and one improvised explosive device. Read more here.
???? Zimbabwe nears mine-free status
Zimbabwe has cleared 96% of its mine-contaminated land, but a $23.79 million funding gap threatens its 2028 mine-free goal. The Defence Minister praised The HALO Trust, Norwegian People's Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp (NPA), MAG (Mines Advisory Group) and national military mine clearance units for their demining efforts, with Mashonaland East still requiring urgent clearance.
???? Zimbabwe: National Dialogue on Humanitarian Demining and Victim Assistance in Zimbabwe
From 18 to 20 February 2025, Zimbabwe's Mine Action Centre and National Mine Action Authority hosted a National Stakeholder Dialogue on Humanitarian Demining and Victim Assistance at the Rainbow Hotel, supported by the EU and the Convention's Implementation Support Unit.
?? Central Asian nations enhance their explosive ordnance disposal capabilities through Belgium exchange visit
Experts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan recently concluded a valuable exchange visit to Belgium focused on enhancing their Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) capabilities. The visit, which took place from 10 to 14 February 2025, was facilitated and supported by the OSCE field operations in Central Asia and hosted by the Kingdom of Belgium, with participation from the United States.
Other EO Finds from Around the Globe:
2. Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE)
???? Ukraine: Nowhere in Ukraine is safe – even children must learn to spot landmines
In Ukraine, pervasive landmine contamination endangers civilians, especially children. Handicap International - Humanity & Inclusion (HI) provides life-saving education in Kharkiv's metro schools, teaching students to identify and avoid explosive hazards.
?? GICHD study available in French and Arabic - Education on the risks of explosive devices: analysis of the sector and needs
The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) released a study on explosive ordnance risk education (EORE), available in French and Arabic. The report assesses progress since 2019 and recommends improvements in advocacy, standardisation, and professionalisation of the sector.
3. Accidents, Survivors, Victim Assistance
???? Syria: Unprecedented threat from explosive ordnance across Syria – MA AoR Situation Update No.1 (December 2024-January 2025)
The changes in December 2024 sparked a large-scale movement of populations across the former front lines, exponentially increasing the risk from death and injury. Since early December, 208 accidents were recorded in which 157 people were killed and 279 were injured.
???? Syria: Explosions of old ordnance leave 78 fatalities and 84 injured people since early February
Explosions from old ordnance in Syria have killed 63 civilians, including three women and 12 children, with six truffle pickers among the victims. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights highlights the lack of international action addressing this ongoing threat. Read more here.
???? Syria: Mine casualties persist as UN partners scale up clearance operations
Explosive ordnance continues to claim lives across Syria, with more than 430 deaths and injuries reported since December, nearly a third of them children.
???? Ukraine: Surviving the unseen threat — the lasting impact of landmines
A landmine explosion shattered Serhii’s life in an instant. It took his wife, nearly took his son, and left him with severe injuries that would take years to heal. Across Ukraine, explosive ordnance—mines, cluster munitions, and unexploded shells—continues to maim and kill civilians even after battles have moved on. Read more here.
???? Zimbabwe: Database of landmine victims to facilitate compensation
The Government is creating a national database of landmine victims to ensure they receive compensation and benefits under proposed amendments to the War Victims Compensation Act. Currently, Zimbabwe lacks official records of landmine victims, leaving many affected individuals without access to Government assistance or compensation.
?? Meet the St Leonards one-armed chef and photographer
Giles Duley's life changed forever when he stepped on a landmine while documenting the war in Afghanistan. Now a triple amputee, Giles spoke to Annabel Stock about photographing victims of war, cooking for Angelina Jolie and life in St Leonards.
Other EO Accidents from Around the Globe:
4. Advocacy, Policy, Conventions, Strategies and Standards
???? Zimbabwe pushes landmine clearance deadline to 2028 due to funding gaps
Zimbabwe has extended its landmine clearance deadline to 2028 due to a $23.79 million funding shortfall, hindering efforts to clear the remaining contaminated areas.
5. Stockpile Destruction, PSSM and Disarmament
?? Quick facts on unplanned explosions at munitions sites (UEMS) - January 2025 update
Unplanned explosions at munitions sites (UEMS) are a significant safety threat for governments and a major challenge for the international community. A single UEMS incident can result in multiple casualties, millions of dollars' worth of damage to nearby buildings, infrastructure, and homes, as well as harm to the environment. Research conducted by the Survey reveals that these incidents are widespread and increasingly common: in its database, the Survey has recorded more than 674 incidents that occurred since 1979.
6. Research, Innovation, Technology and Market Trends
???? Switzerland: Innovation in Mine Action at the UN
Lionel Fragnière has been working at the UN in Geneva since 2020 as part of the army's peacekeeping mission. Before that, he completed various missions abroad and gained experience that he uses to implement technological innovations in the UN's humanitarian mine clearance. With passion and expertise, he is helping to advance the use of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence for safer and more efficient mine clearance. In this interview, he gives an insight into his work. Read more here.
???? Ukraine: The Ministry of Defence is initiating the creation of an innovative hub for the implementation of cutting-edge demining technologies
One of the tasks of this hub will be to assess modern technologies, compare global innovations, classify potential solutions according to international and national mine action standards, and test new developments. This will allow the creation of a 'technology bank in mine action' and prioritize their implementation and scaling in the country.
???? Ukraine introduces rental and leasing options for demining vehicles
Demining operators in Ukraine can now rent demining vehicles on a systematic basis, as two manufacturers have introduced rental services for their equipment. One of the companies offering this service is Global Clearance Solutions Ukraine, representing the Swiss-German manufacturer Global Clearance Solutions (GCS). The first rental agreement has already been signed with the international operator Folkekirkens N?dhj?lp (DanChurchAid), which has leased a heavy GCS-200 demining machine.
?? Safe Pro Group to Present its Patented Drone AI-Powered Imagery Analysis Technology in “Demining Ukraine with Drones and Image Recognition” Session at XPONENTIAL Europe
In February 2025, Safe Pro Group Inc.'s subsidiary, Safe Pro AI, presented its patented SpotlightAI? technology at XPONENTIAL Europe in Düsseldorf, Germany. The AI-powered drone imagery analysis system has processed over 945,000 images in Ukraine, detecting more than 19,250 explosive remnants, thereby enhancing demining efforts. Read more here.
?? Safe Pro Surpasses 1,000,000 Drone Images Analyzed Milestone Using Its Novel AI Algorithms & Machine Learning Models on AWS Cloud Advancing Small Object Threat Detection
Safe Pro Group Inc. announced that its Safe Pro AI subsidiary reached its latest milestone having processed over 1,000,000 real-world images and 20,000 explosive threat detections in Ukraine utilising its patented AI-powered small object threat detection and drone image analysis and mapping technology.
?? IDEX 2025: Milrem teams up with Pearson to develop large uncrewed demining platforms
Milrem Robotics, known for its uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs), and Pearson Engineering Ltd with its experience in developing demining and improvised explosive device (IED) defeating engineering solutions, will bring the two capabilities together.
7. Mine Action Assistance, Funding and Cooperation
???? Cambodia: PM, US delegation discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation
Prime Minister Hun Manet, along with California Congressman Jimmy Panetta (Democrat) and Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood (Republican), discussed strengthening the political, education, health, defence, and security sectors, with a particular focus on mine action.
???? ???? Kosovo: Grant signed for mine clearance in Mitrovica and Gracanica
The Japanese Embassy in Kosovo has granted €198,000 to Norwegian People's Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp (NPA) for mine clearance in Mitrovica and Gracanica. This project aims to clear 16.48 hectares, enhancing safety and promoting economic development for over 17,000 residents.
???? Ukraine: The 11th meeting of the Demining Capability Coalition for Ukraine takes place in a Vilnius
Representatives of the 22 nations that currently form the Demining Capability Coalition a year ago established and now co-coordinated by Lithuania and Iceland met in Vilnius for the 11th time. A year ago, the Coalition Partners met for the first time on January 11.
???? ???? Ukraine: Canada to allocate over USD 11M for Ukraine’s demining efforts
Canada will provide USD 11.7 million in funding to the Innovative Mine Action for Community Recovery in Ukraine project, under the Ukraine Community Recovery Fund, to help enhance Ukraine’s national mine action capacity, reduce the threat of explosive ordinance and promote economic recovery.
???? Vietnam: $1.9 bln LNG power project in northern Vietnam calls for mine clearance bids
The $1.9 billion Quang Ninh LNG power plant, the first such facility in northern Vietnam, is inviting bids for the mines and explosives clearance package. In a Tuesday announcement, the project investor, Quang Ninh LNG Power JSC, said the bid must be submitted by noon March 18, towards contract signing later this quarter. The contract implementation is slated for Q2.
8. Other News
???? Angola: Humans of APOPO: Caetano – From Deminer to HeroRAT Handler
Caetano Albano, an Angolan HeroRAT handler, transitioned from deminer to rat trainer over eight years with APOPO . Initially skeptical, he now values the rats' efficiency in landmine detection, aiding community safety and supporting his family.
???? Russia: In a Russian kindergarten, children “cleared mines” for Defender of the Fatherland Day
In the village of Pomary, preschoolers were dressed in military uniforms for the event “We will serve in the army”. The children performed military tasks, including “mine clearing” with the participation of their parents.
Videos
This innovative EORE video from the International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC shows how, long after explosives have been fired, the dangers remain.
Watch FSD (Fondation suisse de déminage)'s teams in northern Kherson as they clear contaminated land and educate children about the risks and safe behaviour when facing explosive ordnance.
The HALO Trust cleared explosives from the war-damaged Shashpul Caravanserai in Afghanistan, enabling Turquoise Mountain to restore the historic site safely. Supported by the UK Foreign Office, the project will open the landmark to tourists after reconstruction.
Maintenance training of Mine Detection Dogs is very important. During the very cold and snowy winter in Ukraine, dog teams of Norwegian People's Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp are limited to indoor training facilities, but still conduct daily trainings to keep their dogs on a good track.
A sudden US foreign aid freeze has severely curtailed efforts to clear mines and munitions from parts of the Mekong region that were bombed by American forces during the Vietnam war. The decision has led to skilled deminers losing jobs and rural populations exposed to increased risks of injury from unexploded ordnance (UXOs).
MEP David McAllister, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee at the European Parliament, called on the EU to take "a leading role" on landmine action in the wake of the suspension of US foreign assistance. "Every EU Member State is a party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. We have already pledged millions of Euros for mine clearance, but we need to ensure this commitment is reflected also in the next Multiannual Financial Framework.”
Whatever the future holds for Ukraine, The HALO Trust emphasises that it will be at the cutting edge of mine clearance technology - keeping farmers and families safe and paving the way for a secure, prosperous future.
Upcoming Events, Courses & Trainings
There are a number of interesting events for the mine action sector in the coming months, and some of the deadlines are approaching quickly.
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