KABUL, Afghanistan — Improvised explosive device (IED) contamination in Afghanistan now spans over 65 square kilometers, an increase from 53 square kilometers recorded at the end of 2022, according to a new report by The HALO Trust.
The contamination has been documented in 26 of the country’s 34 provinces, underscoring the persistent danger faced by civilians.
The report also highlighted that as of late 2023, IED contamination in Iraq covered an estimated 434 square kilometers. Globally, 60 countries and territories are known to be affected by landmines, with Afghanistan among four nations labeled as having “massive contamination.”
“There are 60 countries and territories known to be contaminated by landmines in the world today,” the report stated. “The HALO Trust works in one third of them, including the four countries listed as having ‘massive contamination.’ These countries are: Afghanistan, where HALO employs 2,235 deminers; Cambodia, with 1,191 staff; Iraq, employing 83 staff; and Ukraine, where 1,376 staff are deployed.”
Afghanistan’s long history of conflict, involving various factions and military campaigns, has left the country littered with IEDs and unexploded ordnance, which disproportionately endanger civilians, especially children.
James Cowan, CEO of The HALO Trust, described the report as a stark reminder for the international community amid rising global conflicts. “There can be no recovery from war or sanctuary for the displaced until explosive weapons are cleared and destroyed,” Cowan said. “Until this work is done, thousands of civilians continue to live in fear.”
