Members of the Working Group on landmine and unexploded ordnance clearance, operating under the Interdepartmental Center of the Coordination Headquarters established for the centralized resolution of issues in the liberated territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan, paid a visit to the Aghdam district.

Within the framework of the visit, representatives of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) and relevant state institutions represented in the Working Group conducted field inspections of several operational areas. The representatives were briefed on humanitarian demining operations carried out by ANAMA in Javahirli village of Aghdam district, by the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Marzili village, as well as by a local company engaged in demining activities in the territory of Gizilkangarli village.

During the site visits, demonstrations were provided on the organization of demining operations, the technical equipment used, clearance methodologies applied depending on the level of contamination with mines and other explosive ordnance, as well as the process of destruction of detected explosive items through controlled detonation. Information was also provided on existing challenges in the areas, the level of contamination, and the fencing of highly contaminated areas carried out alongside demining operations to ensure safe and sustainable return to the liberated territories.

Following the field visits, a meeting of the Working Group was held in the city of Aghdam.

Delivering the opening speech at the meeting, Mr. Vugar Suleymanov, the Chairman of the Board of the Agency and Head of the Working Group, provided information on humanitarian demining activities carried out within the framework of the    “I State Program on the Great Return to the liberated territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan.”  He noted that following the 44-day Patriotic War, demining operations have been conducted on a total of 264,581 hectares across the liberated territories, including 43,021 hectares in Aghdam district alone, resulting in the detection of 248,583 mines and other explosive remnants of war. Mr. Suleymanov also addressed the progress of conservation and fencing of certain areas, stating that fencing activities in the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Jabrayil districts have been completed, while work continues in the territories of the Khojavand and Aghdara districts.

Other members of the Working Group provided updates on the demining activities carried out by their respective institutions and discussed upcoming obligations.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that coordinated efforts among relevant institutions, efficient mobilization of resources, and systematic implementation of demining operations play a decisive role in ensuring safe return to the liberated territories.