Geneva: 1,945 people were killed by landmine explosions in 2024 across 52 countries, marking a sharp increase of nearly 500 victims compared to the previous year.
According to Qatar News Agency, a report by the International Landmine Monitor, published Monday, stated that civilians accounted for 90 percent of the victims, almost half of whom were children. Approximately 4,334 injuries were recorded, the highest annual figure since 2020.
This increase is attributed to the difficulties hindering the implementation of landmine bans and highlights their continued use in Myanmar, Syria, and Ukraine, in addition to other conflict zones. Myanmar recorded the highest number of landmine casualties globally in 2024 for the second consecutive year, with 2,029 deaths and injuries.
Syria followed with 1,015 casualties, as civilians faced significant risks from landmines and explosive remnants of war while returning to their homes after the fall of the Assad regime. The report concluded that the long-term consequences of these mines remain unclear, but Ukraine recorded nearly 300 casualties from them last year.
The International Campaign to Ban Landmines warned of the devastating impact of landmine explosions on civilians, at a time when demining efforts are declining due to a significant decrease in funding for essential humanitarian activities.