Innovating Mine Action: Safer, Smarter, Faster

Dec 12, 2024: Innovative technology like drones, AI, and robotics is revolutionizing mine action, enhancing safety, efficiency, and recovery in conflict-impacted communities.

US Supports UXO Victims and Risk Education in Laos

Dec 10, 2024: World Education supports Laos’ UXO survivors with medical care and education, advancing mine risk safety and helping meet national development goals.

Laser Technology Transforms Landmine Detection

Dec 9, 2024: LAMBDIS, a laser-based detection system, revolutionizes landmine clearance with faster, safer scans from moving vehicles, reducing risks and saving lives globally.

Tigray's Hidden Dangers: Someone's Heroic Sacrifice

Dec 5, 2024: Tigray’s scars endure as unexploded ordnance devastates lives. Birhane lost limbs saving children, symbolizing resilience amidst rural Ethiopia’s recovery challenges.

WWII Bombs Unearthed in Japan's Waters and Airports

Dec 4, 2024: Divers uncovered WWII UXO near Okinawa’s ports and airports. Experts safely defused bombs as nationwide surveys aim to detect and dispose of more ordnance.

Civilians Forced to Clear Landmines in Myanmar

Dec 3, 2024: Myanmar junta troops force civilians to clear landmines along highways. Rising threats make 2023 the deadliest year for landmine casualties worldwide.

Number of Bomb Disposal Experts in Ukraine Jumps to Over 4,000

Dec 2, 2024: Ukraine boosts mine action: 69 operators, 4,000+ experts, 151 vehicles. Focus: contaminated land surveys, local tech, global aid, key partnerships.

Minefield Honey: Ukraine's Sweet Fight for Safety

Nov 22, 2024: Ukraine’s “Minefield Honey” turns mined fields into hope, using drones and bees to produce honey and raise global awareness for demining efforts.

Rising Landmine Casualties, Renewed Global Action

Nov 21, 2024: Landmine casualties surged 22% in 2023. The Siem Reap conference calls for stronger treaty compliance, mine clearance, and victim support initiatives.

Myanmar Tops Global Landmine Casualty Report

Nov 20, 2024: Myanmar tops global landmine casualties as civilian tolls rise. The Mine Ban Treaty calls for global action to reduce harm and assist victims.

Funding Solutions for a Mine-Free Future

Nov 19, 2024: A multi-donor fund can strengthen APMBC, bridging gaps, boosting collaboration, and advancing efforts for mine-affected communities worldwide.

Cambodia Hosts Summit on a Mine-Free World

Nov 18, 2024: Cambodia's global mine summit tackles clearance, victim aid, and stockpile destruction, advancing efforts toward a mine-free world.

In Somaliland: Cultural Festival Promotes Social Cohesion

Nov 14, 2024: Burao’s cultural festival united host and displaced communities, fostering social cohesion and celebrating shared heritage for a resilient, inclusive future.

Laos Faces Urgent UXO Challenges Post-Conflict

Nov 12, 2024: Laos battles UXO contamination, risking lives and limiting growth. MAG's work aids, but more funding and awareness are urgently needed for safe recovery.

Global Call to Address Escalating Landmine Contamination

Nov 11, 2024: Funding cuts limit landmine clearance amid rising conflicts; urgent global support needed to ensure safety in heavily contaminated areas like Ukraine and Syria.

Caught Between Conflict and Landmines in Myanmar

Nov 8, 2024: Displaced in Rakhine face prolonged conflict, landmines, and limited aid, forcing many to stay away despite wishes to return home.

The Environmental Toll of Conflict and War

Nov 7, 2024: War damages ecosystems and resources, fuels pollution, and displaces millions, with lasting impacts on people, nature, and climate.

New Hope After Clearance: Cambodia’s Path to Safety

Nov 5, 2024: Cambodia’s land clearance efforts bring safety and growth to Siem Reap, empowering villagers to farm and live without UXO threats.

Ukraine: More Demining Jobs for Veterans/People with Disabilities

Nov 4, 2024: Ukraine boosts demining jobs for veterans, people with disabilities, using AI and partnerships to accelerate UXO clearance and expand roles, including for women.

Researcher Uses Laser Vibration Sensor to Detect Landmines

Oct 31, 2024: Reseacher's laser sensor tech speeds mine detection, reducing risks and expanding applications from safety assessments to medical diagnostics.

How the West Can Help Ukraine Clear Russian Landmines

Oct 30, 2024: Switzerland aids Ukraine’s demining efforts, hosting a forum on critical support for clearing explosive remnants impacting safety and economy.

SpotlightAI 3.0: Enhancing Landmine Detection in Ukraine

Oct 29, 2024: SpotlightAI 3.0 accelerates Ukraine’s mine clearance, enhancing detection and mapping through AWS-powered AI, aiding global demining efforts.

Mine-Shaped Building to Demonstrate Cambodia's Commitment to Mine Ban Treaty

Oct 28, 2024: Cambodia’s 18-meter, mine-shaped building will showcase Ottawa Convention efforts, offering exhibits, testimonies, and training by May 2026.

Ukrainian Deminers Complete IMAS EOD Training in Kosovo

Oct 24, 2024: 138 Ukrainians completed Mriya Aid's IMAS demining training, ready to clear explosives across 146,000 sq km of Ukraine.

One Million Still at Risk From Landmines in Cambodia

Oct 23, 2024: Cambodia faces continued landmine risks, with 1,700 km² still dangerous. Ongoing clearance efforts protect nearly 1M people at risk.

Greening Mine Action in Armenia

Oct 21, 2024: Armenia’s Greening Mine Action program integrates environmental, social, and economic strategies to clear landmine-contaminated areas, boosting safety, development, and sustainability in affected communities.

Basic Identification of Ammunition in Ukraine Guide: Version 6.0

Oct 21, 2024: Explore the essential updates in Version 6.0 of the Ammunition ID Guide for Ukraine, designed to improve safety and efficiency in explosive ordnance disposal operations amidst ongoing conflict.

Dealing with Hidden Danger

Oct 21, 2024: Lao PDR, the most bombed country per capita, faces challenges in UXO clearance. Capacity development in strategic planning, funding, and data management is essential to strengthen national efforts and improve long-term s

Phase II Testing of UAV/Sensor Systems

Oct 21, 2024: The UNDP's Phase II trials in Ukraine tested various UAV/sensor systems for mine action, demonstrating that combining technologies improved the detection of explosive remnants and enhanced demining efficiency.

Advancements in Mine Action

Oct 21, 2024: Innovative technologies like AI, NLP, and remote sensing are enhancing humanitarian mine action efforts globally, improving safety and efficiency in demining operations in Gaza, Syria, and Afghanistan.

The Explosive Weapons Trauma Care Collective (EXTRACCT)

Oct 21, 2024: EXTRACCT reduces preventable deaths from explosive injuries in low-resource settings by adapting military trauma care to civilian needs. Focus areas include first-responder training, teleconsultation, and emergency care

Innovative Finance for Mine Action

Oct 21, 2024: Chronic underfunding threatens mine action efforts, limiting progress as new conflicts and hazards arise. Explore the potential of innovative finance to bridge this gap and enhance sector stability.

No Silver Bullet

Oct 21, 2024: Christelle Mestre explores evolving funding models in mine action, integrating climate action and partnerships for sustainability. She highlights how collaboration can drive progress and secure funding for mine clearance

An Interview With Harry “Murf” McCloy

Oct 21, 2024: Retired Marine Colonel “Murf” McCloy shares his journey from military service to humanitarian demining efforts across 46 countries. Learn insights on evolving demining technology and his most memorable experiences.

An Interview With John Stevens

Oct 21, 2024: John Stevens shares insights from decades of leading conventional weapons destruction programs in Vietnam, Africa, and Ukraine. He discusses the evolution of mine action and future challenges in the field.

A Message from the Director of CISR

Oct 21, 2024: CISR Director spotlights interviews with long-time experts as well as articles on explosive weapons trauma care, innovative finance, UAS/Sensor trials in Ukraine, and more.

Film Honors Kurdish Deminers’ Sacrifice and Struggles

Oct 21, 2024: "A Dream Before Dying" honors Kurdish deminers who died clearing explosives, shedding light on their sacrifices and the lingering threat of mines.

AI Innovations Reshape Future of Mine Action Efforts

Oct 18, 2024: AI tools boost mine action efforts, improving efficiency and safety while enhancing demining in Southeast Asia and globally.

Giles Duley Advocates for Global Mine Action Through Photography

Oct 17, 2024: Photographer Giles Duley advocates for mine action in Ukraine, emphasizing global impact, personal loss, and demining innovations.

Conflict’s Toll on Biodiversity and Peacebuilding

Oct 16, 2024: Conflicts harm biodiversity. COP16 in Colombia highlights the need for policies that link conservation with peacebuilding efforts globally.

Unexploded WWII Bombs in Ottawa Bog

Oct 15, 2024: Unexploded WWII bombs in Mer Bleue bog pose low risk but remain buried, with precautions required for future work near the site.

Angola's Demining Progress in Bié Province Expands

Oct 14, 2024: Angola demines 1.7 million square meters in Bié, aiding rural development and safety while requiring more funds to clear all remaining mines.

U.S. Increases UXO Clearance Efforts in Laos

Oct 11, 2024: The U.S. has invested $391M in Laos since 1995 to clear UXO, educate communities, and assist victims, tripling clearance teams by 2024.

U.S. Strengthens Peace and Stability in West Africa

Oct 10, 2024: The U.S. uses the Global Fragility Act to bolster peace and stability across Coastal West Africa through strategic partnerships and $300M in funding.

Innovative Solutions for Humanitarian Demining Showcased in Kyiv

Oct 7, 2024: The "Security 2.0" forum in Kyiv showcased innovations in demining, emphasizing collaboration, new technologies, and Ukraine's commitment to land clearance.

Angola, Cambodia, and Global Demining Challenges

Oct 7, 2024: Angola and Cambodia’s demining efforts face delays due to reduced funding and global focus shifting to Ukraine’s mine crisis.

Rising Environmental Impact of Conflict in Middle East

Oct 4, 2024: Middle East conflicts severely degrade ecosystems, damage water and agriculture systems, and worsen climate risks, threatening public health.

Innovative Tech Boosts Global Demining Efforts, Targeting 2025

Oct 1, 2024: New tech like drones and GIS advances global demining, improving efficiency in conflict zones like Ukraine, with hopes of scaling efforts worldwide.

Japanese Troops Safely Remove WWII Bomb in Okinawa

Sep 30, 2024: Japanese troops disarmed a WWII bomb in Okinawa, evacuating 1,400 people. 2,000 tons of ordnance remain.

Azerbaijan's Mine Action and Its Link to Korean History

Sep 27, 2024: Azerbaijan tackles mine issues akin to Korea's DMZ, aiming for global demining awareness and sustainable recovery.

Robotic Mission to Clear Munitions from Baltic Sea

Sep 18, 2024: SeaTerra's robotic mission aims to clear 1.6 million tonnes of corroding munitions from the Baltic and North Sea, protecting marine life.

Ukrainian Deminers Face Risks to Restore Mine-Laden Lands

Sep 18, 2024: Deminers in Ukraine face the challenge of clearing landmines from vital farmland, restoring safety and livelihoods in the war-torn regions of Mykolaiv and Kherson.

World War II Japanese Grenade Safely Removed in Guam

Sep 18, 2024: An EOD team safely removed a WWII Japanese grenade from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, ensuring public safety. The grenade dates back to battles on Guam in 1944.

HALO Trains 600 Certified Demining Instructors in Ukraine

Sep 17, 2024: HALO Trust Ukraine trains 600 demining instructors, educating communities on explosive threats and raising mine awareness for safer land use and reconstruction.

Workshop Highlights Gender Inclusion in Humanitarian Demining

Sep 16, 2024: A gender inclusion workshop in Kyiv explored how integrating women into mine action boosts safety, efficiency, and communication in war-torn areas.

Tetra Tech Wins $1B Contract for Conventional Weapons Destruction

Sep 13, 2024: Tetra Tech secures a $1B contract to support global conventional weapons destruction, including landmine removal and risk education across 30+ countries.

Mines in Black Sea Pose Ongoing Threat For Commercial Shipping

Sep 12, 2024: Over 100 mines in the Black Sea endanger shipping. U.S. allies conduct naval drills to clear mines and secure maritime trade routes.

Ukraine Faces $11 Billion Annual Loss Due to Landmines

Sep 11, 2024: Ukraine loses $11B annually due to landmines, affecting exports and food security. Global support is crucial for economic recovery and demining efforts.

Rising Dangers for Local Aid Workers Amid Conflict

Sep 10, 2024: 2024 is one of the deadliest years for aid workers, with local staff facing high risks in conflict zones and lacking critical protection.

Quick Action Leads to Safe Landmine Disposal in Falklands

Sep 9, 2024: Soldiers' swift actions led to the safe disposal of a dangerous landmine in the Falklands by the EOD team, with vital support from the FIDF.

University Students Advancing Drone Technology for Mine Action

Sep 5, 2024: Students developed drones with machine learning to detect Russian landmines, enhancing demining efficiency and prioritizing areas for safe clearance.

Vietnam’s Female Deminers: Clearing a Dangerous Legacy

Sep 4, 2024: Vietnam's all-female demining team clears deadly UXOs, turning war-torn land into safe, productive farmland and safeguarding future generations.

Ukraine to Fully Fund Agricultural Demining for Farmers

Sep 3, 2024: Ukraine to fully fund agricultural demining, easing farmers' financial burden and enhancing post-conflict recovery and food security.

Landmine Explosion Injures Three Displaced Children in Syria

Sep 2, 2024: A landmine explosion in Aleppo, Syria, injured three displaced children from Afrin, highlighting ongoing mine dangers.

UNICEF Reports Alarming Rise in Myanmar Landmine Casualties

Aug 30, 2024: Myanmar saw 692 people, including 32% children, killed or injured by landmines and UXO in the first half of 2024.

Linda’s Brave Mission: Underwater Demining in Cambodia

Aug 29, 2024: Siv Linda bravely tackles underwater demining in Cambodia’s Mekong River, defying danger to clear UXOs and safeguard lives.

Innovative Approach to Detecting Underwater Explosives

Aug 28, 2024: Engineers develop water samplers to locate unexploded ordnances, addressing both explosive and environmental threats.

Courage, Family, and Purpose: A Female Deminer's Journey

Aug 27, 2024: Narmin, a mother and deminer, overcomes challenges to support her family and clear mines for her homeland’s future.

AI-Powered Drones Revolutionize Mine Detection in Ukraine

Aug 26, 2024: Ukraine uses AI-powered drones to detect and clear land mines, revolutionizing mine action and improving safety in conflict zones.

EPA Demands Air Force Base Address "Deficiencies" in Open Burning

Aug 23, 2024: EPA demands Andersen AFB address deficiencies in hazardous waste permit; activists push for safer alternatives to open burns.

WWII Artillery Shells Removed from Solomon Islands School

Aug 22, 2024: Over 200 WWII artillery shells removed from a Solomon Islands school, with safe disposal planned at Hell's Point.

Ukraine Launches Mine Safety Education Series with UNDP Support

Aug 21, 2024: UNDP and partners launch a mine safety series to educate Ukrainians on recognizing and avoiding explosive hazards.

Switzerland Seeks Ideas for Safe Lake Munition Removal

Aug 20, 2024: Switzerland seeks ideas to safely recover submerged munitions from lakes, aiming to minimize environmental impact.

Protecting Aid Workers: A Call for Global Action

Aug 19, 2024: Aid workers face violence worldwide. Call for stronger protections on World Humanitarian Day to keep them safe.

Accelerating Ukraine's Demining Efforts with Robotics and AI

Aug 16, 2024: Robotics and AI accelerate Ukraine's demining, reducing costs and time, vital for safety and food security.

CMAC Safely Removes Another M117 Bomb in Cambodia

Aug 15, 2024: CMAC neutralizes a 340 kg US-made M117 bomb in Kandal, highlighting Cambodia’s ongoing struggle with unexploded ordnance.

Ensuring a Future for Laos’ UXO Child Survivors

Aug 14, 2024: UXO victims in Laos, mainly children, face long-term challenges. More funding and support are needed for their recovery.

Children Major Victims of Unexploded Ordnance in Afghanistan

Aug 13, 2024: 82% of unexploded ordnance victims in Afghanistan are children, underscoring an urgent need for increased mine clearance efforts.

Training Rats to Detect Landmines and Save Lives

Aug 9, 2024: Bahati Abuu trains giant African rats to detect landmines, saving lives globally through Apopo's innovative program.

Title: Ukraine Establishes Standard for Demining Professionals

Aug 8, 2024: Ukraine approves new demining standard, aligning with IMAS, enhancing training for veterans and international certification.

Yazidi Women Clear Landmines to Rebuild Sinjar

Aug 7, 2024: Yazidi women clear landmines to rebuild Sinjar, reclaiming safety and pride after the IS genocide ten years ago.

AI-Powered BORIS Enhances UXO Clearance Capabilities

Aug 6, 2024: AI-powered BORIS software upgrades enhance UXO clearance and range remediation, aiding global humanitarian demining efforts.

Two Million Rounds of Ammunition Destroyed in Trinidad and Tobago

Aug 5, 2024: Two million rounds of ammunition disposed in Trinidad to enhance safety, reduce crime, and improve regional security.

Lithuania's Departure from CCM Sparks Concern

Aug 2, 2024: Lithuania's exit from the Cluster Munition Convention sparks global concern over civilian safety and disarmament norms.

Restoring Peace: Efforts to Clear UXO in Laos

Aug 1, 2024: Efforts by Legacies of War to clear UXO in Laos aim to save lives and secure US support for demining.

Landmines Endanger Civilians in Myanmar’s Rakhine State

Jul 31, 2024: Landmines in Myanmar’s Rakhine state have killed 11 and injured 31 civilians, posing a growing threat to residents' safety.

Lithuania Withdraws from Cluster Munition Convention

Jul 30, 2024: Lithuania's exit from the Cluster Munition Convention sparks global outcry, risking civilians' safety and setting a dangerous precedent.

Nearly 25,000 items of UXO Pulled from Cambodian Rivers in Two Years

Jul 29, 2024: The Cambodian Mine Action Center reports it has found and removed 24,699 items of unexploded ordnance from a river in Kandal province.

Climate Change & Humanitarian Mine Action

Jul 26, 2024: Wars leave ERW hazards. Updated IMAS 07.13 addresses climate impacts, urging eco-friendly clearance and community resilience.

Women Deminers: Courage in Conflict Zones

Jul 25, 2024: Women deminers in Iraq defy gender norms, bravely clearing landmines to protect their communities from decades-old conflict.

In Afghanistan, 110 People Die Everyday Says OCHA

Jul 24, 2024: The OCHA report also states that 1.2 million square meters of land across Afghanistan has been contaminated by landmines, improvised explosive devices, and remnants of war.

Portraits of Resilience: Women Deminers in Iraq

Jul 23, 2024: Photographing women deminers in Iraq revealed cultural contrasts and resilience, reshaping my view on portrait photography.

British Organization Supports Quang Binh in UXO Clearance

Jul 18, 2024: Quang Binh, one of the localities most affected by unexploded ordnance left over from the Vietnam war, has benefited from UXO risk education, survey and clearance activities implemented by Mines Advisory Group.

U.S. Donates $5.8M for Ukraine Demining Operations

Jul 17, 2024: U.S. donates $5.8M in demining equipment to Ukraine, aiding in demining efforts and economic recovery post-invasion.

Saudi MASAM Clears 2,963 Houthi Mines in March

Jul 16, 2024: Masam demined 2,963 mines in Yemen in March 2020, removing 148,427 total mines since the project's start, saving lives.

Woman Killed in Landmine Explosion in Manbij Countryside

Jul 15, 2024: Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports 120 civilian deaths, 136 injuries in Syria from landmine explosions, mostly in regime-held areas, in 2024.

Japan Shares Demining Knowledge with Cambodia

Jul 12, 2024: Japan and Cambodia collaborate to share landmine removal expertise globally, including aid for Ukraine's mine crisis.

Hidden Costs of Survival in Conflict-Ridden Kabul

Jul 11, 2024: Kabul winters are harsh; survival means enduring sub-zero temperatures and the constant threat of explosive ordnance.

Lithuania Reconsiders Cluster Munition Ban

Jul 10, 2024: Lithuania plans to exit the cluster munition ban, citing effectiveness in Ukraine and the need for defense against Russia.

Colombia Committed to Clearing Anti-Personnel Mines

Jul 3, 2024: Colombia’s demining efforts clear vast areas of deadly mines, bringing safety to once-dangerous regions.

Landmine Blast Kills 10 in Northeast Nigeria

Jul 2, 2024: A landmine blast in northeast Nigeria kills 10 and injures 23. Islamic State West Africa Province jihadists are suspected in the deadly attack.

Angola Hidden Danger

Jul 1, 2024: Lucala-2 in northern Angola is burdened by mines from the civil war, causing fear and hindering development. NPA is clearing mines and educating locals, improving safety and land use.

An Analysis of HMA Localization Efforts and a Proposed Pathway for Future Projects

Jul 1, 2024: This paper advocates for the importance of localization in humanitarian mine action, detailing principles, challenges, and benefits. Using DCA and DRC initiatives as examples, it calls for more localized HMA projects.

Securing Land to Contribute to Food Systems

Jul 1, 2024: In regions with explosive ordnance, contamination and humanitarian mine action (HMA) impact food systems. MAG's 2023 Lebanon study examines EO's effect on food production and HMA's benefits for food security.

Studying the Effects of Aging on Ammunition Under Water

Jul 1, 2024: Oceans are filled with aging munitions, posing environmental risks. This study explores how underwater conditions affect munitions, aiding safer clearance efforts and preserving vital water resources.

The Prioritization of Survey Through Open-Source Research in Ukraine

Jul 1, 2024: The mine action sector uses open-source data to map conflicts and locate landmines, enhancing survey and clearance efforts. The HALO Trust has applied this in Ukraine and is expanding it to other regions.

Preventing Arms Diversion in Wartime Ukraine: A Brief Overview

Jul 1, 2024: In its third year defending against Russia's invasion, Ukraine effectively prevents arms diversion. Experts evaluate its arms control efforts, highlighting monitoring, international aid control, and border measures.

What Can Artificial Intelligence Offer Humanitarian Mine Action?

Jul 1, 2024: Unproven AI in mine action risks safety without proper testing and standards. Overhyping AI could hinder its acceptance, needing clear guidelines and rigorous testing for safe deployment.

Navigating the Unintended Consequences of Language, Imagery, and Meaning

Jul 1, 2024: Words and imagery matter. Telling the wrong story, or the right one the wrong way, harms organizations, the sector, and communities. MAG acknowledges past mistakes and takes steps to improve.

Operation Render Safe to Return

Jul 1, 2024: More than 200 personnel to Western Province for UXO disposal in September's Operation Render Safe, post-COVID return.

A Message from the Director

Jul 1, 2024: The latest issue of The Journal explores ethical storytelling in mine action, AI's role in humanitarian efforts, arms diversion prevention in Ukraine, and more. Discover insights from global experts on challenges and inn

Volume 28, Issue 1 (Spring 2024)

Jun 30, 2024: Issue 28.1 of The Journal is different than the norm in that we feature more in-depth studies and articles on a variety of important issues currently affecting our mine action community.

MAG Writes Report on Mainstreaming Climate and the Environment in Weapons and Ammunition Management

Jun 28, 2024: Mines Advisory Group writes case study on how to integrate climate and environmental issues into the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons.

Amazon Web Services Publishes SafePro Case Study for AI

Jun 27, 2024: Safe Pro Group's SpotlightAI, featured by Amazon Web Servces, uses AI to cut landmine survey times in Ukraine by 90 percent.

Mine Clearance Machine Certified in Ukraine

Jun 26, 2024: A3tesh-Ukraine plans to produce 60 of the now certified MV-10 mine clearance vehicles annually and localize 100% of components by year-end.

Rebuilding Ukraine: Clearing Mines, Reforming Laws

Jun 25, 2024: Ukraine must clear mines, rebuild, and reform laws to support liberated regions, ensuring justice and national cohesion.

WWII Battlefield Cleared of 4,700 Explosive Remnants of War

Jun 24, 2024: Over 4,700 dangerous objects cleared from Westerplatte, site of World War II’s first battle.

Fighting Gender-Based Violence in South Sudan

Jun 21, 2024: WAO trains and empowers GBV survivors, organizes radio talk shows, and provides local transport and legal aid.

WWII Bomb Safely Defused in Cologne

Jun 20, 2024: Cologne and other German cities frequently find unexploded bombs from WWII, necessitating specialized crews for safe handling.

North Korean Troops Suffer Landmine Casualties in DMZ

Jun 18, 2024: South Korea reports North Korean casualties from landmine explosions while laying explosives along the DMZ.

Zimbabwe Working Group Meeting Focus on HMA Quality

Jun 18, 2024: Recent Zimbabwe TWG meeting on Quality Management Systems, hosted by APOPO, addressed mine action challenges and innovations.

Unexploded Ordnance Kills Four Children in Afghanistan

Jun 17, 2024: An item of unexploded ordnance killed four children in Faryab, Afghanistan, while they were playing, per Taliban officials.

Thousands of Bullets (Remnants of War) Found at Prey Veng Court

Jun 14, 2024: Thousands of bullets found in Prey Veng Provincial Court and handed over to Halo Trust Cambodia.

From Bombs to Spoons: Laos' 50-Year Transformation Since the Secret CIA War

Jun 13, 2024: Laos repurposes bomb remnants from the Vietnam War into everyday items, as unexploded ordnance continues to cause deaths around the world.

Multinational EOD Technicians Dispose of WWII ERWs in Nauru

Jun 12, 2024: Operation Render Safe 2024 in Pacific island of Nauru cleared WWII ordnance, boosting local safety through multinational EOD collaboration.

Harnessing Edge AI and Synthetic Data for Landmine Detection

Jun 11, 2024: AI advancements enhance drone-based landmine detection in Ukraine, using synthetic data to improve accuracy and safety.

Ukraine to Launch Register of Mine-Contaminated Lands

Jun 10, 2024: Ukraine to create a state register for monitoring demining efforts, aiding farmers and local governments in managing contaminated lands.

War Is Over in Iraq, but It Continues to Claim Victims

Jun 7, 2024: Unexploded ordnance in Iraq continues to maim and kill, years after the end of the war against ISIL.

Explosive Weapons Pose Threats to Cultural Heritage

Jun 6, 2024: Explosive weapons strike at the heart of a community’s identity, which is often embodied in its cultural heritage.

One Killed, 23 Wounded by UXO in Myanmar School

Jun 5, 2024: A grenade blast at a Myanmar school killed 1 and injured 23 others after a student handled the device amid ongoing conflict.

Sri Lanka Releases Landmine-Laden Lands to Tamils in Jaffna

Jun 4, 2024: Tamil residents barred from Tellippalai lands as 55,000 sq ft of recently "released" land is still laden with landmines.

Third Global Mine Action Conference Concludes in Baku

Jun 3, 2024: The 3rd International Conference on Mine Action in Baku, Azerbaijan, focused on mitigating landmines' environmental impact and resource mobilization.

Using AI to Clear Land Mines in Ukraine

May 31, 2024: Gabriel Steinberg discusses using drones and AI to speed up land mine detection in Ukraine, improving safety and efficiency.

Explosive Ordnance a Daily Menace for Afghanistan’s Children

May 30, 2024: Children in Afghanistan face daily danger from leftover mines, with nearly 900 casualties in early 2023, mostly kids.

How Ukrainian Civilians Are Taking Part in Demining

May 29, 2024: Formerly a construction worker and a manicurist, Vitalii and Valeriia are now deminers in Ukraine, inspired by friends and the war to find purpose in their crucial, painstaking work.

UN Lifts Somalia Arms Embargo, Raising Proliferation Fears

May 24, 2024: In 2023, the UN lifted Somalia's 30-year arms embargo, raising concerns about weapon proliferation in a highly unstable and arms-trafficking-prone country.

Double Jeopardy: Human Cost of Weapon Contamination in Asia-Pacific

May 21, 2024: Landmines and unexploded ordnance turn daily chores deadly, causing chaos, trauma, and impeding recovery long after conflicts end.

Deminers Find Landmines Embedded in Tree Trunk

May 20, 2024: Cambodian deminers find three civil war-era landmines in a tree trunk, highlighting ongoing risks and efforts to clear explosives by 2025.

The Ongoing Menace of Landmines and UXO in Congo and Tigray

May 16, 2024: Land mines remain a pervasive menace in conflict-affected regions, haunting communities long after the guns fall silent.

Addressing Pollution and Environmental Damage in Peace Accords

May 15, 2024: Peace deals must address such impacts, and as wars raise environmental concerns, Colombia's peace accord tackles environmental damage.

Aid Worker Safeguards Her Community in Contaminated Land

May 14, 2024: Farzona, a mother and midwife in training, educates Afghan communities on explosive risks, overcoming hurdles for a safer future.

Mine-Detecting Dogs Aid Demining Efforts in Mykolaiv

May 13, 2024: Mine-detecting dogs in Ukraine's Mykolaiv Oblast can detect plastic-bodied mines, assisting demining efforts by finding munitions metal detectors can't.

Growing Danger of Aging WWII Bombs as Unexploded Ordnance

May 9, 2024: An explosive invented by the British Royal Arsenal is lurking in many undetonated devices, growing more potent with time

The World's Largest Minefield

May 8, 2024: Returning to their reclaimed land, they found death lurking beneath. With over 2 million mines scattered, Ukraine fights an uphill battle against unseen threats.

How Tragedy Led a Soldier to Devote His Life to Demining Korea

May 7, 2024: According to activist Kim Ki-ho, he has cleared away 10,000 landmines from the aftermath of the war with North Korea, yet he cautions that millions still persist.

Cambodia Blames Heatwave for Deadly Ammo Blast

May 6, 2024: Cambodia attributes a deadly explosion to a heatwave and faulty munitions, with 20 soldiers killed and widespread damage.

Map Shows Where North Korea Has Placed Landmines in DMZ

May 2, 2024: Escalating tensions, North Korea mines DMZ crossings, and South Korea responds cautiously as inter-Korean relations worsen.

Ukraine's Push for Female Deminers Amid Resource Shortages

May 1, 2024: Ukraine aims to boost female demining participation due to resource shortages, emphasizing inclusivity in policy.

Will Modern Technology Free Ukraine from Landmines?

Apr 30, 2024: As frontline challenges persist in Ukraine, landmines devastate agriculture and advances in AI, drones, and robotics aids demining efforts.

Using Drones and AI to Clear Ukraine's Landmines

Apr 26, 2024: In 2023, Safe Pro AI showcased their AI and drone demining technology in Ukraine. Their system detected 74 landmines, helping NGOs clear land safely.

Unexploded Ordnance Kills Five in Cambodia

Apr 25, 2024: In Cambodia, two separate explosions from ordnance left over from decades of warfare killed five people and injured two others.

Ukraine Developing Mine-Resistant Boots

Apr 19, 2024: Ukrainian researchers are developing mine-resistant boots to deflect blasts and save limbs, although U.N. standards caution against false security.

Iraqi Ministries Approve Plan to Eradicate Landmines by 2028

Apr 18, 2024: Iraq plans to clear landmines by 2028 with international support, addressing extensive contamination.

Russian Petal Landmines Devastate Ukraine

Apr 17, 2024: Estimates suggest it will take hundreds of years to remove the thousands of petal-shaped landmines Russia has deployed in Ukraine.

Another Aerial Bomb Found in the Mekong River in Cambodia

Apr 16, 2024: A MK-82 aerial bomb discovered in the Mekong River in Cambodia, safely removed by specialists from the Cambodian Mine Action Center.

Landmine Victims to Likely Increase in Ukraine Over Next 10 Years

Apr 15, 2024: Ukraine predicts a potential increase in victims of explosive detonations to 9,000 in the next decade, as approximately one-third of the country's territory is potentially contaminated by to landmines.

Working Together for a Safer Future in Laos

Apr 10, 2024: Lao PDR marks Mine Awareness Day, highlighting UXO dangers and need for global support in land clearance efforts.

Aging WWII Bombs Become More Sensitive to Detonation

Apr 9, 2024: Aging, unexploded ordnance from World War II are becoming more sensitive to impact as the years pass.

Destroying WW2 Bombs Across the Pacific Decades Later

Apr 8, 2024: Marshall Islands grapple with WWII-era unexploded bombs, US and Japan assist with cleanup but danger persists as locals tackle dangers.

Demining Stereotypes in Iraq

Apr 4, 2024: Iraqi women in mine action break gender barriers, save lives, and restore communities, fostering gender equality.

MAG Awarded $2M by U.S. Government for Caribbean Operations

Apr 3, 2024: MAG receives $2M grant to combat Caribbean gun violence, secure arms stockpiles, and provide training.

Landmine Kills 9 Children in Southeastern Afghanistan

Apr 2, 2024: Landmine explosion in Afghanistan kills 9 children, highlighting urgent need to address weapon contamination and protect civilians.

Indonesian Ammunition Depot Suffers Explosion

Apr 1, 2024: Indonesian Army depot fire engulfs 65 tons of expired munitions, investigation ongoing with undisclosed financial losses.

Volume 27, Issue 3 (Fall 2023)

Mar 27, 2024: SEE OUR FALL 2023 ISSUE

A Message from the Director

Mar 27, 2024: This issue of The Journal is different than the norm in that we feature more in-depth studies and articles on a variety of important issues currently affecting our mine action community.

The Detection Problem: An Eight-Decade Challenge.

Mar 27, 2024: The detection of explosive remnants of war (ERW) is a critical task in the land release process; however, a new project to create a long-term study site will accelerate detection techniques for humanitarian mine action.

Working to Prevent and Reduce the Impact of Armed Violence in Coastal West Africa

Mar 27, 2024: Violence surges in West Africa, notably Sahel, with armed conflicts causing displacement and instability. SALW proliferation exacerbates conflict, undermines peace building, and drives displacement.

Inclusive Data Management: Reporting, Storing, and Sharing of Information on Beneficiaries in the Mine Action Sector

Mar 27, 2024: Legal frameworks like the APMBC, CCM, and CCW drove data management changes in mine action. Challenges remain in transitioning to people-centric data, especially regarding gender and diversity.

Emergency Explosive Ordnance Risk Education Lessons: Learned from Ukraine

Mar 27, 2024: After the Russian offensive in February 2022, Ukraine faced EO contamination. The global EORE Advisory Group provided guidance, and DRC organized a workshop to review emergency EORE programming.

Surveying Eighty-Year-Old Battlefields in Solomon Islands

Mar 27, 2024: After 80 years, surveying old battlefields is hard. Solomon Islands faces challenges due to familiarity and lack of data on UXO casualties, hindering help requests and strategy planning.

The Mine Action Trauma Care Collaborative

Mar 27, 2024: Conflict zones lack formal trauma systems, hindering rapid first aid for explosive weapon injuries. The Mine Action Trauma Care Collaborative (MA-TCC) bridges this gap by leveraging mine action's presence in the field.

Localization in Mine Action: Where the Possible Meets the Necessary

Mar 27, 2024: Localization in humanitarian mine action (HMA) presents unique challenges due to its resource-intensive and highly regulated nature, unlike other sectors.

Mine Directorate Warns Explosives Displaced by Heavy Rain

Mar 26, 2024: Recent heavy rains dislodge landmines in Kurdistan, posing renewed dangers as countless mines and unexploded ordnance remain littered across the Kurdistan Region’s border with Iran.

MAG Tackles Gun Crime in Belize

Mar 25, 2024: MAG works in Caribbean to curb gun violence, supporting safe storage, training, and awareness campaigns in Belize.

Landmine Kills Child and Injures Another in Syrian Countryside

Mar 20, 2024: Since early 2024, 78 civilians, including 19 women and 25 children, have died in Syria due to explosions from old explosives.

Ukraine Sets up National Association for Humanitarian Demining

Mar 19, 2024: National Association for Humanitarian Demining starts operations in Ukraine, aiming to clear explosive objects with stakeholder involvement.

Cambodia’s Desire Is to See the Whole Pacific Free-Mine

Mar 18, 2024: Cambodia builds peace, seeks global investment; Vanuatu supports demining efforts.

Cambodian Deminers Neutralize Multiple 230 Kilogram Bombs

Mar 13, 2024: CMAC neutralizes several Mk82 bombs found in Kampong Speu and Kandal provinces, preventing potential casualties and promoting safer development.

Clearing Landmines Enhances Food Security in Angola

Mar 11, 2024: To enhance food security, Heidi Kuhn of Roots of Peace calls for global support to clear landmines in Angola with MAG deminers.

Solomon Island Police Clear UXO from World War II

Mar 8, 2024: Police in the Solomon Islands successfully destroy more than 700 items of unexploded ordnance from WWII in the Western province.

Lasting Impacts of Conflict Pollution on Iraq

Mar 7, 2024: Transforming post-conflict landscapes: Iraq addresses 76 pollution hotspots with a $18.5M World Bank pilot project.

Emerging Role of 3D Printing in Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Assistance

Mar 6, 2024: Transforming disaster response: 3D printing offers swift, tailored solutions in healthcare, shelter, and clean water.

Improving Food Security in Ukraine Through Demining

Mar 5, 2024: Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy has signed an agreement with Palantir, a technology company specializing in big data analytics.

Ukraine Leverages AI for Swift and Cost-Effective Demining

Mar 4, 2024: Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy has signed an agreement with Palantir, a technology company specializing in big data analytics.

U.S. Commitment to Demining in Cambodia

Feb 28, 2024: U.S. reaffirms commitment to Cambodia's Mine-Free 2025 goal, contributing $12 million for demining in 2024.

Landmine Kills 14 Truffle Hunters in Syrian Desert

Feb 27, 2024: Tragic aftermath in Syria as 14 people are killed by a landmine while foraging for truffles in the Raqqa desert.

European Nations Reinstate Landmines Fearing Russian Invasion

Feb 26, 2024: NATO explores ancient tactics to counter the Russian threat as landmines and fortified borders see a return.

ICRC Shines Light on Overlooked Conflicts Across the Globe

Feb 24, 2024: Unseen conflicts persist worldwide. ICRC uncovers over 100 armed conflicts involving 60 states and 100 non-state armed groups, from Yemen to the Philippines.

New Ukrainian Demining Machine Competes with Western Counterparts

Feb 23, 2024: Ukraine unveils a new mine clearance vehicle based on T-156 tractor chassis that matches Western counterparts, clearing 5,000 square meters per hour.

Public Transport Hits Landmine in Mogadishu, Killing Ten

Feb 21, 2024: A landmine explosion in Mogadishu's Heliwa district claims ten lives and leaves ten injured, marking a grim moment for the city.

Innovating Against a Looming Landmine Crisis in Ukraine

Feb 20, 2024: Ukraine tackles a mine crisis with makeshift solutions. Can innovation lead the way to clearing dangerous landmines?

The Illegal Weapons Trade in Mali's Capital, Bamako

Feb 19, 2024: The urbanization of West Africa fuels arms trafficking, driving violence in Bamako, Mali. Researchers propose integrated solutions that involve state authorities, civil society, and residents.

Environmental Impact of Ukraine Conflict Goes Beyond Borders

Feb 16, 2024: Study on war in Ukraine reveals conflict's hidden toll of emissions exceed annual output of European nations.

Landmine Explosion Claims Lives of Two Children, Injures Three

Feb 15, 2024: Devastating landmine blast in Yemen claims young lives. Save the Children urgently calls for action amid rising casualties.

Ghana Host Conference on Combating Indiscriminate Weapons

Feb 14, 2024: Ghana hosts regional conference combating indiscriminate weapons use, prioritizing diplomacy and humanitarian impact.

EOD Clears Range for Training and Wildlife Conservation

Feb 13, 2024: At Avon Park AFR in central Florida, there's unexpected harmony between bombing ranges and wildlife conservation.

Quang Tri's Quest: Clearing the Legacy of War for a Safer Tomorrow

Feb 12, 2024: Quang Tri, Vietnam, once a war zone, now fights to clear 615 square kilometers of deadly unexploded ordnance by 2025.

Worm Lizard, Unseen for 90 Years, Found by Deminers

Feb 9, 2024: Rare Somali worm lizard rediscovered in Somaliland after 90 years by landmine clearance team, highlighting biodiversity in conflict zones.

Fenix Insight & Ace High Drones: AI Tech in Mine Detection

Feb 8, 2024: IRIS, a groundbreaking AI-assisted drone, transforms demining in Ukraine, detecting live landmines with unprecedented speed and accuracy.

Two Children Injured by Landmine in Myanmar

Feb 7, 2024: Children critically injured by a suspected junta-planted landmine in Myanmar's Chin state, highlighting escalating dangers.

Vietnam Province Clears Submunitions from 42 Million Square Meters of Land

Feb 6, 2024: In Vietnam, Norwegian People’s Aid identified 1,270 danger zones and cleared 173 sq km of land, working towards a UXO-free Quảng Trị by 2025.

HALO Clears Explosives in Post-War Angola

Feb 5, 2024: With U.S. funding, Angolan village tackles explosive remnants post-civil war with help from HALO deminers. Explosive ordnance risk education crucial for residents' safety.

Growing Threat of Landmines in Sudan Amid Ongoing Conflict

Feb 3, 2024: As a bus strikes landmine in Sudan, social media reveals rising threat of explosive hazards. However, the conflicts hinder demining and complicates aid efforts.

CMAC Removes Unexploded Ordnance from River

Feb 2, 2024: Cambodian government leads waterway safety effort, clearing unexploded ordnance for development, tourism, and resident security.

New Method for Disposing of Unexploded Ordnance in Okinawa

Feb 1, 2024: In Okinawa, a novel method reduces the impact of WWII unexploded ordnance disposal, minimizing the evacuation radius.

Deminers in Odessa Embrace Equine Therapy

Jan 31, 2024: Odessa's demining experts combat negative emotions and fatigue through equine therapy, boosting spirits in just one hour.

Is the Humanitarian Aid Gap Getting Bigger?

Jan 30, 2024: Nearly 300 million people will need aid in 2024, but there's a $57 billion humanitarian aid gap that's exacerbating challenges around the world.

Emergency Digital Risk Education Response in Nigeria

Jan 29, 2024: After a landmine explosion in Nigeria, MAG utilizes Facebook for Digital Explosive Ordnance Risk Education and reaches 280,000 people.

A Breath of Hope in Kasaï Province

Jan 26, 2024: DCA tackles resource curse in DR Congo's Kasaï: Demining amid conflict aftermath, supporting communities, and US-backed project for a mine-free 2025.

Over 900 Firearms Destroyed in Belize

Jan 25, 2024: Together with Mines Advisory Group, Belize security forces destroy over 900 unserviceable weapons to prevent diversion to crime, promoting safety, and peace.

CEOBS: Ukraine Environmental Briefing

Jan 24, 2024: Conflict in Ukraine devastates ecosystems, damages reserves, and imperils biodiversity. There is an urgent need for recovery and nature protection.

Bomb Hunters Search UK Waters for Unexploded Munitions

Jan 23, 2024: Ordtek maps and clears unexploded bombs on the UK seabed, crucial for maritime safety. UXO poses risks to fishing and offshore activities.

Landmine Explosion in Sudan Claims Ten Lives

Jan 22, 2024: War since April resulted in thousands dead, millions displaced. Accusations of war crimes against both sides, RSF expands territory despite atrocities. Over 13,000 deaths and seven million displacements reported.