Mine Action Weekly, 27 January - 2 February 2025

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:

• This newsletter features news reports and articles from a variety of sources. Mention of these resources does not indicate agreement with or endorsement of the opinions of others. I do not claim responsibility or credit for these works, and do not vouch for the information contained in them.
• This newsletter is created and managed in a personal capacity, independent of my professional affiliation with Fondation suisse de déminage (FSD).

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

???? Azerbaijan: ANAMA Reports On Areas Cleared Of Mine And Uxos In Liberated Territories

Humanitarian mine clearance operations carried out between 20 to 26 January led to the detection and neutralisation of 69 anti-tank mines, 108 anti-personnel mines, and 208 unexploded ordnance (UXO). 705.6 hectares of land have been cleared of mines during this period.

???? ???? Lebanon: Chinese peacekeepers in Lebanon pass UN mine, explosive clearing certification

All 60 members of the Chinese military engineering contingent from the 23rd Chinese Peacekeeping Force to Lebanon successfully passed the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) qualification assessment in a single attempt on Friday.

???? Palestine: UNMAS oPt Explosive Threat Factsheet January 2025

United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) identifies persistent explosive hazards in the occupied Palestinian territory for January?2025. Incident trends, clearance progress, and high-risk zones are outlined alongside calls for enhanced risk education and coordinated mitigation measures.

???? Palestine: MSF: Removing unexploded ordnance in Gaza will take years

Removing unexploded ordnance scattered among the rubble of homes in Gaza will take years and will hinder the rebuilding process, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said yesterday.

???? Palestine: Threat of explosive ordnance in Gaza, West Bank affects lives, humanitarian aid: UN official

United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) 's mine action program chief reports 'at least 92 people have been killed or injured from explosive ordnance since October 23.'

???? Palestine: Aid efforts in Gaza escalate, as risk from deadly unexploded ordnance grows

As more than 423,000 displaced Palestinians return to their homes in northern Gaza following the opening of key roads, UN agencies are scaling up humanitarian aid and addressing the growing risks posed by unexploded ordnance such as landmines (UXO).

???? Ukraine: Number of mine action operators in Ukraine has increased to 80 - Ministry of Economy

In Ukraine, the number of mine action operators has increased to 80 mine action operators, while at the beginning of 2023 there were only 28. This result was achieved thanks to a pilot project in which the certification of operators was carried out at twice the pace.

???? Ukrainian deminers cleared over 8,700 hectares of de-occupied territories in January

In January 2025, sappers discovered and destroyed 6,011 explosive objects. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the total number of neutralised items has reached 422,888.

???? Ukraine: The VoiCEE podcast: humanitarian demining training for Ukrainian women

In this podcast episode, host Joshua Coe speaks with journalist Isabelle de Pommereau about her story “Humanitarian Warriors” written for Transitions magazine. In Kosovo, De Pommereau met Ukrainian women learning to clear the mines and unexploded ordnance littered across their country amid its ongoing war with Russia.

???? Ukraine: In Kyiv region, UDS found Soviet and German shells from World War II

While conducting humanitarian demining on the agricultural land of the Institute of Potato Growing in Kozintsi village, Kyiv region, UDS sappers discovered dangerous munitions from the Second World War. The dangerous finds, which had been lying in the ground for more than 80 years, include a Soviet 76.2-mm high-explosive fragmentation projectile OF-350 and three German 7.5cm IGr 18 fragmentation projectiles.

???? Yemen: MASAM Project Clears 732 Mines in One Week

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s ( KSrelief ) Masam Landmine Clearance Project - Yemen successfully cleared 732 mines from various regions of Yemen during the third week of January 2025, including 51 anti-tank mines, eight anti-personnel mines, 672 unexploded ordnances, and one explosive device.

?? Damn the Torpedos: The Return of Naval Mining

Revisits naval mine warfare’s historical legacy alongside modern innovations, analysing how renewed tactics and technology are reshaping maritime strategies and challenging established naval doctrines.

Other EO Finds from Around the Globe:

• ???? Germany: Augsburg Successfully Disposes WWII Bomb After Major Evacuation. Read more
• ???? Germany: Dresden's Carolabrücke Scene Of Another Bomb Discovery. Read more
• ???? Lithuanian official warns of possible evacuation due to unexploded ordnance. Read more
• ???? India: Forest fire triggers landmine blasts in Poonch. Read more
• ???? Malaysia: Old Mortar Bomb Discovered In Tumpat. Read more
• ???? Palestine: Dozens of unexploded Israeli bombs neutralised in Gaza. Read more
• ???? Ukraine: Russian FAB-500 unexploded bomb neutralised in Kharkiv region. Read more
• ???? United Kingdom: WW2 grenade safely disposed of by bomb squad. Read more
• ???? United Kingdom: ‘Potential unexploded bomb’ forces roads closures and 50m cordon in Northants village. Read more
• ???? United States: Bomb squad removes “explosive target” in Holt. Read more
• ???? United States: Central Texas man finds WWII bomb in attic while remodelling. Read more

2. Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE)

???? Afghanistan: MoU inked to promote awareness about landmine risks

The Natural Disaster Preparedness Authority (NDPA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with a Japanese organisation to launch awareness programmes about landmines and unexploded ordnance.

3. Accidents, Survivors, Victim Assistance

???? Azerbaijan: Over 40 people fell victim to landmines in Azerbaijan in 2024

As many as 41 people fell victim to landmines in the liberated Azerbaijani territories in 2024. 5 people lost their lives, while 36 others sustained varying degrees of injury. Since November 2020, a total of 382 individuals have been affected by mine and military ammunition explosions. Among them, 70 have died, and 312 have been injured.

???? Palestine: Explosive Ordnance Killed, Injured at Least 92 in Gaza, West Bank – UN

A UN report links explosive ordnance to at least 92 casualties in Gaza and the West Bank, intensifying humanitarian concerns and urging accelerated demining and enhanced safety measures in these conflict-affected areas.

Other EO Accidents from Around the Globe:

• ???? Afghanistan: Old mortar shell blast kills 3 children in Laghman. Read more
• ???? Afghanistan: Explosion kills one child, injures five in Paktia, Afghanistan. Read more
• ???? Afghanistan: Two children killed in unexploded ordnance explosion in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Read more
• ???? United Kingdom: Kinnego Embankment IRA landmine: Martin McCauley charged in court with murder of three RUC officers in 1982. Read more
• ???? Russia: Vice Governor of Russia’s Primorsky Krai Sergei Yefremov was killed in Kursk Oblast. Read more
• ???? Syria: Member of Military Operations Administration dies in landmine explosion in Homs. Read more
• ???? Syria: 23 civilians including two children killed and injured in different areas. Read more
• ???? Syria: Five civilians killed and injured in explosion of war remnants in different areas of Syria. Read more
• ???? Syria: 11 people killed and wounded by explosions in different areas across Syria. Read more
• ???? Syria: Eight people including a woman killed and injured in different areas of Syria. Read more
• ???? Syria: Four civilians, including child, killed and injured in different areas in Syria. Read more
• ???? Syria: Three civilians died and others injured by war remnants in different areas of Syria. Read more
• ???? Syria: Two children among ten civilians killed and wounded by explosions in different areas across Syria. Read more
• ???? Syria: Four children killed and injured in different areas in Syria. Read more
• ???? Syria: Nine civilians including children killed and injured by war remnants. Read more

4. Advocacy, Policy, Conventions, Strategies and Standards

?? Winter 2024/25 edition of the Counter-IED Report magazine is now available to read online and in print

The Winter 2024/25 edition of the Counter-IED Report magazine is now available to read online and in print, with articles, in-depth analysis and insights from C-IED Centre of Excellence, Assessed Mitigation Options (AMO) consultancy, 3DX-RAY Ltd , Terrogence Global et al.

?? Why the World Must Ban Landmines?

There are dozens of reasons why all states should get on board the Mine Ban Treaty, and why full implementation of this lifesaving treaty must be ensured. Some of the moral, humanitarian, socio-economic, and diplomatic arguments are given here.

5. Stockpile Destruction, PSSM and Disarmament

???? Spain: Six injured in explosion at an ammunition factory in Murcia

An explosion at a Rheinmetall ammunition factory in Spain injured six people, prompting emergency responses and safety investigations to determine the cause and implement preventive measures.

6. Research, Innovation, Technology and Market Trends

???? Ukraine: NIBULON will use artificial intelligence for demining operations

NIBULON Ltd. and Safe Pro Group Inc. have signed a memorandum of cooperation to implement a number of initiatives with strategic importance for the development of mine action in Ukraine. Among these initiatives is the development and improvement of non-technical survey methodologies (NTS), which will enhance the accuracy and efficiency of identifying hazardous areas.

???? Ukraine: Effective equipment: The many kinds of machines being used to demine Ukrainian land

Unmanned vehicles, ground-penetrating radars, and other specialised machines are accelerating Ukraine’s demining efforts, enhancing safety and efficiency in clearing explosive hazards amid ongoing conflict.

?? Here’s How AI Can Detect Mines and Save Lives

AI technologies merge sensors, robotics, and machine learning to detect landmines more accurately and safely. This approach reduces human risk and accelerates demining efforts in hazardous, mine-affected regions, transforming traditional detection methods.

7. Mine Action Assistance, Funding and Cooperation

???? Afghanistan needs $21.9 million for mine clearance, UN says

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs ( United Nations OCHA ) has said that $21.9 million is needed this year to fund mine clearance and explosive hazard risk education in Afghanistan, one of the most heavily contaminated countries in the world.

???? Azerbaijan: Ankara Declaration expresses support for reconstruction and demining efforts in liberated territories

Ankara backs reconstruction and demining in liberated territories, committing to international cooperation and resource support to enhance safety and accelerate post-conflict recovery.

???? Cambodia: ARMAC, CMAA strengthen ties to advance mine action in ASEAN

The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) and the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistant Authority (CMAA) strengthened their partnership to advance victim assistance and regional mine action efforts.

???? Cambodia: Senior Minister Ly Thuch: The mine action sector is vital for strengthening diplomatic relations between Cambodia and its regional and global partners

Senior Minister Ly Thuch, First Vice Chairman of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), met with Ms. Buth Rothna, executive director of the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC), on 27 January 2025, at the CMAA headquarters to discuss partnership and cooperation in mine action.

???? ???? Cambodia: Australia and UNDP sign Contribution Arrangement to support Cambodia towards mine-free by 2030

The Government of Australia and the United Nations Development Programme ( 联合国开发计划署 ) signed a new Contribution Agreement to support the Royal Government of Cambodia's efforts to become mine-free by 2030. The Government of Australia allocated an additional AUD 2 million to the Clearing for Results Project, implemented by CMAA and 联合国开发计划署 .

???? Canada: Okanagan Indian Band waiting for funding to continue clearing unexploded ordnance on their land

The Okanagan Indian Band awaits funding to resume unexploded ordnance clearance on its land, aiming to improve community safety and support future development amid ongoing bureaucratic delays.

???? ?? United States: News on President Trump’s executive order to freeze all US foreign assistance for an 85-day review period

• ???? Afghanistan: US funding freeze halts mine clearance efforts in Afghanistan, 11 other countries. Read more
• ???? Cambodia: Sudden US funding freeze forces Cambodia to partially halt mine clearance. Read more
• ???? Cambodia ceases mine clearance in eight provinces after US funding freeze. Read more
• ???? Iraq: Norwegian NGO suspends mine clearing activities in Iraq. Read more
• ?? ‘A Good Chance People Are Going to Die’ as U.S. Halts Funding for Mine Clearing. Read more
• ?? MAG (Mines Advisory Group) statement on US funding suspension. Read more
• ?? Freeze to US aid hits Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar hard. Read more
• ?? Statement from Norwegian People's Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp (NPA): All of NPA's US-funded activities are put on pause. Read more
• ?? Norwegian People's Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp (NPA) termination of activity on expiring US grants. Read more

Videos

The report follows FSD (Fondation suisse de déminage) 's Ukrainian teams that are dedicated to educating children about the dangers of explosive ordnance while others rigorously train to become the next generation of deminers.

The HALO Trust 's Syria Operations Manager Feras Kleifat explains how the team responded to a callout after a massive 220mm thermobaric rocket was found – a rocket that would would have devasted the village if it exploded.

The video about the Ukraine Mine Action plan 2025 highlights key components of the National Mine Action Strategy Implementation Plan.

Press conference by Luke Irving , Chief of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) Mine Action Programme in the occupied Palestinian territories, on the situation in Gaza.

This demolition by Brimstone - UXO was for a 3" mortar found at the former air weapons range, RAF Cowden.

Press conference by Thomas Kontogeorgos, Chief of the Office for Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR), Mai Shahin, Combatants for Peace (CFP), and activist Iris Gur on Mine Action Service.

In Dromjak village, Kosovo, The HALO Trust teams are removing deadly landmines to save lives and enable the local community safe access to the surrounding lands.

Successful destruction of an unexploded aircraft bomb by the Directorate of Mine Action Activities in Gazna village, Smilan district, Iraqi Kurdistan.

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.

• The GICHD Innovation Conference 2025 will take place from 28–30 October 2025 in Luxembourg. Hosted by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) , the event will explore innovative approaches and emerging technologies in humanitarian mine action through expert panels, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities. Learn more and register here.
• The Gender Focal Point Capacity Development Programme, organised by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) , will take place from 14–25 April 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya. The course builds capacity for integrating gender perspectives into humanitarian mine action through expert-led sessions and practical exercises. Learn more and register here.
• The Mine Action Information Management Qualification at IMSMA Core Administrator – 106th Partnership for Peace Course is scheduled for 12–16 May 2025 in Spiez, Switzerland. Register here.
• The 2nd Kiel Munition Clearance Week (KMCW25) is scheduled in Kiel from 18 to 20 June 2025. Organised by Schleswig-Holstein's Ministry of the Environment and technology firm north.io GmbH, the event will gather international experts to address marine munitions waste challenges. Learn more here.
• During the 45th IEEE IGARSS in Brisbane, Australia (3-8 August 2025) there will be a session on UAV-based Multi-sensor Identification and Mapping of Explosive Ordnance. Submit your papers by 10 January 2025 and find all the details here.
• The 107th Mine Action Managers Course, hosted in Spiez, Switzerland, from 16-27 June 2025, by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and the Swiss Government, enhances participants' skills in managing mine action programs. It combines online and in-person training, covering governance, operational planning, and leadership. Register here.
• The GICHD's Land Release Training Course, held in Stans, Switzerland, from 4-15 August 2025, equips participants with practical skills in planning and conducting mine clearance operations. Combining online and in-person phases, the course emphasises operational efficiency, safety, and international standards adherence. Register here.
• The National Mine Action Standards (NMAS) Development - Partnership for Peace Course will take place in Spiez, Switzerland, from 27-31 October 2025. This Partnership for Peace course organised by GICHD focuses on building capacity for creating and implementing national mine action standards, crucial for demining and explosive ordnance risk management. Learn more and register here.

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