Taliban Calls for International Cooperation to Clear Mines in Afghanistan

KABUL (Afghan Verified) -- The Taliban held a program on Tuesday, 18 Hamal, to mark World Mine Awareness Day, with officials urging international cooperation for mine clearance operations in Afghanistan. The event was attended by UN representatives.

Nooruddin Torabi, a Taliban official, stated that landmines have affected many people, especially children, over the past 45 years, describing them as "hidden enemies of humanity." He called on responsible institutions to act transparently and swiftly on demining, noting that most organizations had halted activities due to political considerations.

Nooruddin Rostamkhil, head of the Taliban's mine clearance program, said operations are ongoing with 155 teams active in 23 provinces.

Nick Pond, head of demining at UNAMA, has previously called for financial support to sustain clearance efforts amid continued casualties.

According to Red Cross statistics, at least 92 people were killed and 375 wounded in mine and unexploded ordnance explosions across Afghanistan in 2025.

Officials highlighted that mine-laying was a tactic used by the Taliban during the past 20 years of conflict, with remnants also from the Soviet era and wars involving the previous government, contributing to numerous deaths.