landmines

Landmines are explosive devices placed on or just under the ground, designed to detonate when feet or vehicles disturb them. They are commonly categorized as anti-personnel mines, intended to injure or kill people, and anti-vehicle mines, meant to damage or destroy equipment and hinder movement. Triggers include pressure plates, tripwires, magnetic or acoustic sensors, and remote detonation. Some mines are equipped with anti-handling devices to complicate removal.

Historically, landmines have been used in many conflicts since the 20th century. They can be deployed covertly and remain active for long periods, creating dangers for civilians long after hostilities end. Minefields can obstruct agriculture, habitation, and post-conflict reconstruction, and they require specialized clearance to render affected areas safe.

The humanitarian impact of landmines is significant. Casualties are often civilians, including children, who encounter mines in fields, roads, or abandoned infrastructure. The presence of mines can prevent farming, impede relief efforts, and delay development projects. Clean-up operations are dangerous, expensive, and time-consuming.

Demining and clearance involve multiple approaches. Manual probing, metal detectors, and ground-penetrating radar are used to locate mines; trained deminers may render them safe or safely destroy them. Animals such as specially trained dogs or rats assist in detection, and mechanical clearance can be used in larger areas. Post-clearance risk education and documentation help prevent re-mining.

Legal status and efforts to restrict or prohibit mines are embodied in the Ottawa Treaty, which bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines and obliges destruction of stockpiles and clearance of mined areas. As of 2024, many states are parties, but major powers including the United States, Russia, and China have not joined. Mine action remains a global humanitarian priority.