In Afghanistan’s hills, hidden landmines from old wars still claim lives despite clearance efforts

Afghanistan continues to endure the deadly legacy of decades of conflict, with landmines and unexploded ordnance still claiming lives daily. Children are particularly vulnerable, often mistaking rusting bombs for scrap metal or toys, with tragic consequences. Over 45,000 Afghans have been killed by landmines since 1989, according to UN estimates. Entire generations have been scarred by these hidden remnants of war, left behind by conflicts spanning the Soviet invasion to America’s 20-year occupation. Despite demining efforts, the vast terrain and sheer volume of explosives make clearance a monumental challenge. Educational campaigns warn communities of the dangers, but casualties persist as ageing munitions remain buried in fields, roads and villages. These silent killers haunt Afghanistan long after the world’s attention has moved on. Al Jazeera’s Assed Baig reports. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.io/AJEMobile #Afghanistan #AfganistanLandmines #Landmines #UXO #AfghanistanWarLegacy #AfghanistanLandmineVictims #AfghanistanDemining #AlJazeeraEnglish