On April 22, a landmine explosion in Snihurivka, Ukraine injured two civilians. The explosion occurred near a former mineral water plant, and one of the injured was transferred to a local hospital. Ivan Kukhta, the head of the Snihurivka military administration, warned the residents of the danger of landmines, as the community remains one of the most heavily mined and contaminated areas with explosive ordnance.
The Dangers of Landmines in Conflict Zones
The use of landmines in conflict zones is a significant humanitarian issue, posing a severe threat to civilians, even after the conflict has ended. Landmines are designed to maim or kill indiscriminately, and their effects can last for decades. Even small anti-personnel mines can cause devastating injuries, especially to children who may mistake them for toys.
(Read Also: Landmine Blast Kills Six Civilians in Homs’ al-Sukhna Desert in Syria)
The presence of landmines also hinders post-conflict reconstruction efforts. Mines make it difficult to clear and rebuild infrastructure and agricultural land, making it harder for communities to recover from the conflict.
(Read Also: 6 civilians killed in mine explosion from the remnants of ISIS in Syria)
The Impact of Landmines in Ukraine
Ukraine is one of the countries most affected by landmines. The conflict in eastern Ukraine has resulted in the widespread use of landmines by both sides, putting the lives of millions of civilians at risk. The Ukrainian government and international organizations must prioritize the removal of landmines to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians in conflict-affected areas.
(Read Also: Azerbaijan calls on Armenia to provide accurate mine maps following civilian injury)
The presence of landmines in Ukraine is a significant challenge to post-conflict recovery efforts, making it harder to rebuild infrastructure and agricultural land. The contamination also poses a risk to the safety of the population, especially children who may be attracted to the mines
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