A 20-person press and representative delegation from Türkiye inspected mine clearance activities on site in the Aghdam region of Azerbaijan within the framework of the "Geography of Peace: Karabakh" program. The delegation was briefed by officials of the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA).
Mine threat continues
Halik Zülfukarov, ANAMA Aghdam operations guide, recalled that the region, which was occupied by Armenian armed forces in 1993 and contaminated with mines for 27 years, was liberated in the Second Karabakh War. Stressing that the area was part of the former contact line and one of the most heavily mine-contaminated areas, Zülfukarov noted that this area has now been completely cleared.
Zülfukarov said that simultaneous mine clearance operations are ongoing in Aghdam, Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Lachin, Gubadli, and Aghdara, with more than 350 personnel involved. The teams include mine detection dogs, mechanical clearance units, and local private organizations, as well as personnel from the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
Maps proved to be incorrect
Zülfukarov, touching on Armenia's mine-laying method, said that in the early years of the occupation mines were placed irregularly, later certain lines were established, and when the area was abandoned many mines were left randomly. "They handed over mine maps to our esteemed President. However, investigations revealed that all these maps were incorrect," he said.
Over 250,000 explosive remnants destroyed
Zülfukarov noted that more than 250,000 munitions have been neutralized so far in operations in Karabakh and East Zangezur, including 42,664 anti-personnel mines, 23,954 anti-tank mines, and 190,352 other types of explosives. He added that 291,684 hectares have been cleared of mines, and in Aghdam alone, 13,077 anti-personnel mines, 7,895 anti-tank mines, and 17,134 explosives were destroyed across 45,130 hectares.
433 people affected, 73 dead
Zülfukarov stated that from November 10, 2020, to August 3, there were 268 mine explosions in the region, affecting 433 people, killing 73 and injuring 360. He stressed that explosions occurred not only on the former contact line but also in areas 80-90 kilometers behind it, highlighting the extent of mine contamination.
Controlled demolition and visit to Aghdam Friday Mosque
After the briefing, the delegation witnessed a controlled demolition of mines in the field. Later, the team visited the Aghdam Friday Mosque, which was damaged during the occupation and reopened after restoration, and saw the reconstruction efforts in the city center.
Officials reported that the second residential complex in Aghdam, comprising 66 buildings including 60 residential ones and 1,268 apartments on a 13-hectare area, has been completed, with 814 families resettled so far and new housing construction underway.
"We all shed tears when we arrived"
Mezahir Aliyev, who was forced to leave Aghdam in 1993, said they returned to their newly built homes after 30 years and experienced emotional moments. Stating that they returned to normal life through free housing allocation, Aliyev said, "We thank Türkiye and the Turkish people. They are our permanent brothers. They always help us and stand behind us."
The delegation lastly visited a shoe and wallpaper factory in the Industrial Park, examining production.
