Mine Action Weekly, 23 - 29 March 2026
- Markus Schindler
- Mar 30
- 14 min read
A warm welcome to the latest edition of the Mine Action Weekly newsletter - your go-to source for the most important global updates from the mine action sector. Read about the latest news on EO contamination & clearance, EORE, accidents and victim assistance, advocacy efforts, stockpile destruction, mine action innovation & technology, and assistance, cooperation & funding - right here, every Monday. Dive right in and stay up-to-date!
Disclaimers:
This newsletter features news reports and articles from a variety of sources. Mention of these resources does not indicate agreement with or endorsement of the opinions of others. I do not claim responsibility or credit for these works, and do not vouch for the information contained in them.
This newsletter is created and managed in a personal capacity, independent of my professional affiliation with Fondation suisse de déminage (FSD).
🗞️ Weekly News Roundup
The weekly news roundup showcases a low-down of the top mine action news and insights from the past seven days.
1. EO Contamination, Clearance & Land Release
🇧🇬 🌊 Bulgaria: Our Navy has destroyed 9 floating mines in Bulgarian waters since the beginning of the war in Ukraine
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the Bulgarian Navy has destroyed nine floating mines in Bulgarian territorial waters. This was stated by Fleet Admiral Radko Penev, commander of combat and auxiliary ships, during the next activation of the Naval Mine Action Group in the Black Sea, which ensures the cleanliness of Bulgaria's waterways from sea mines.
The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) has released a report detailing the staggering scale of cluster munition contamination following conflicts along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
🇭🇷 🇺🇸 Croatia: As war with Iran escalates, has the U.S. measured the cost?
Croatia’s declaration as mine-free highlights the long-term human and financial costs of landmines. Over 31 years, clearance removed more than 100,000 mines and 407,000 unexploded ordnance, costing over €1.2 billion and killing 200 people, including 41 deminers—underscoring how mines continue harming societies long after wars end.
In 1995, Ecuador and Peru faced each other in war. Years later, they walked the same ground—this time, clearing mines together. This article by CARLOS CANO SERRANO shares how humanitarian demining became a real path to building trust between Ecuador and Peru.
🇮🇷 🇺🇸 Iran: US using anti-tank land mines in Iran's Shiraz to neutralize ballistic missile launchers - report
The United States has reportedly begun deploying landmines in parts of southern Iran as part of its war effort against Tehran, particularly near the outskirts of Shiraz, according to a Friday report by The Washington Post and claims by Iranian media. The WaPo report cited four munitions experts to identify the landmines, which were seen in social media posts published over the last couple of days near the city.
The US appears to have deployed the Gator Scatterable Mine system over Kafari, a village near Shiraz, in southern Iran overnight. Several people were killed according to Iranian media. Three experts told Bellingcat the munitions appeared to be air-delivered US-made Gator anti-tank mines. The US is the only participant in the Iran war known to possess Gator Scatterable Mines.
🇮🇷 🇺🇸 Iran: US land mines seen in photos from Iran pose 'extreme danger' to civilians
Photos shared online on Thursday appear to show US land mines scattered in a residential area of Iran — something experts say could mark the first time in over 20 years that American forces have deployed the weapons. At least one person has been killed by the mines, and several wounded, said Iranian media, warning the public to steer clear of the can-like objects.
🇳🇬 Nigeria: FG to involve youths, retired soldiers in operations to tackle IEDs
The Federal Government has disclosed plans to involve youths, retired military personnel and other civilians in demining operations aimed at curbing the threat posed by improvised explosive devices and anti-personnel mines across the country.
🇷🇴 🌊 Romania could join demining missions in Strait of Hormuz after ceasefire, PM says
Romania could participate in demining missions in the Strait of Hormuz once a ceasefire is reached in the Middle East, prime minister Ilie Bolojan said. He stressed that any involvement would depend on the conflict moving into a stable, post-hostility phase.
🇸🇧 Solomon Islands: Decaying WWII bombs leak toxic chemicals into Solomon islands food source
Landmines, munitions and unexploded ordnance left over from World War II pose major safety risks to communities in the Pacific. But now new research has proven they don't need to explode to threaten lives. A study from the University of Queensland and the United Nations Development Programme has found that thousands of decaying bombs in the Solomon Islands are releasing toxic chemicals onto the land and sea, threatening the health of locals in coastal areas.
🇸🇸 South Sudan: Strengthening National Ownership: Deng Kuer’s Journey in Advancing Sustainable Mine Action in South Sudan
Deng Kuer’s career in South Sudan highlights efforts to strengthen national ownership of mine action by building local coordination capacity and professional expertise. With United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) support, he advanced planning, information management, and partnerships, helping transition responsibilities to national authorities and promoting sustainable, locally led clearance and risk-reduction efforts.
🇸🇾 Syria: Surviving the war, dying in peace
Fifteen years after Syria’s uprising, landmines and unexploded ordnance continue killing civilians as refugees return from Lebanon and displaced families move home. Explosives contaminate fields, homes, and roads, hindering farming and recovery. The HALO Trust warns casualties occur daily and calls for expanded clearance to address widespread contamination along former frontlines.
🇸🇾 Syria: Good News Story From: Northeast Syria - Humanitarian Duty to Leave and Return
After insecurity forced suspension of operations in northeast Syria, demining teams later returned to respond to urgent reports of unexploded ordnance in homes and displacement sites. Teams removed rockets, mortars, and an improvised explosive device, delivered risk education, and cleared hundreds of hazards, enabling safer living conditions despite unstable security and difficult access.
🇸🇾 Syria: Explosive remnants of war continue to threaten children in northeast Syria
A widely circulated video showing children in the Ain Issa area, north of Raqqa, handling landmines and explosive remnants of war has once again highlighted the persistent threat facing civilians in northeastern Syria, amid the widespread presence of unexploded ordnance and the lack of a comprehensive response.
🇹🇭 Thailand: Mine clearance stepped up on Sa Kaeo border as more than 60,000 sq m remain high-risk
Burapha Task Force says it has cleared 39,100 sq m of a nearly 100,000-sq-m suspected hazardous area on the Thai-Cambodian border in Sa Kaeo, but more than 60% remains dangerous. A POMZ-2 anti-personnel mine was recently found and removed.
PFM-1 anti-personnel mines have become a weapon of choice in the war in Ukraine. Also known as "petal mines", they are used by both sides and can be scattered by rockets, bombs and, increasingly, drones. Designed to cause injury rather than kill outright, they are particularly dangerous for civilians because they are hard to identify – and hard to defuse. France24 spoke to demining experts who explained the challenges posed by these mines.
🇺🇦 Ukraine: Cabinet simplifies farmers’ access to state demining funds
The government has simplified access for farmers to state funding for humanitarian demining of their lands. The new procedure provides that demining funding is provided through a single state structure – the Center for Humanitarian Demining – without the need to open separate bank accounts for each project. See here to check eligibility and find detailed instructions on how to apply through the State Agrarian Register.
🇺🇦 Ukraine: FSD’s Mine Action Programme in Ukraine
Fighting in Ukraine has left behind millions of landmines, cluster munitions, and unexploded or abandoned ordnance, making the country one of the most contaminated in the world. More than a quarter of Ukraine’s territory is believed to be affected by these explosive remnants. This update highlights FSD (Fondation suisse de déminage)’s demining work in Ukraine since 2015.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Why the UK is a global leader in helping rid the world of deadly mines
A Scottish MP highlighted the UK’s global leadership in humanitarian demining, citing work by The HALO Trust removing mines and unexploded ordnance in countries such as Angola. British expertise and funding support clearance, restore farmland, and protect civilians. Continued investment in mine action was urged to sustain progress and reduce long-term conflict risks.
🇾🇪 Yemen: Masam Warns of Flood-Displaced Landmines Amid Heavy Rains in Yemen
The Masam Project has warned of the dangers posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance that may be swept into new areas by floodwaters following heavy rains across several Yemeni governorates.
🇾🇪 Yemen: Project Masam clears 3,500 mines in Yemen in March
KSrelief’s demining initiative, Masam Landmine Clearance Project - Yemen, has cleared 3,500 landmines and explosive remnants of war across Yemen so far in March 2026, continuing efforts to reduce explosive threats and protect civilians in contaminated areas. According to the project’s latest operational figures covering March 1–20, 2026, the items removed include: 12 anti-personnel mines, 242 anti-tank mines, 3,233 items of unexploded ordnance and 13 improvised explosive devices. During the same period, Project Masam teams secured 41,280 sq. meters of land, making it safe for civilian use.
🌍 Mine action as a confidence-building mechanism in the South Caucasus
Cooperation on mine action in the South Caucasus could serve as a practical confidence-building measure between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Joint survey, information-sharing, and coordinated clearance would reduce risks to civilians while fostering dialogue. Experiences from Southeastern Europe show collaborative demining can build trust, support returns, and encourage broader regional peace initiatives.
🌊 Straight of Hormuz
🇫🇷 France says it approached 35 countries over future Hormuz mission: France led talks with around 35 countries to plan a post-conflict mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This defensive initiative aims to restore vital shipping, currently halted due to Iran's actions, once the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran ends. France and Britain are coordinating efforts, focusing on demining and protecting tankers, with international cooperation. Read more here.
🇩🇪 🌊 Germany: Merz: The German Army Could Participate in Mine Clearance from the Strait of Hormuz: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the German armed forces could participate in mine clearance from the Strait of Hormuz once the war in Iran is over. Read more here.
🇯🇵 🌊 Japan may deploy minesweepers in Strait of Hormuz after ceasefire if naval mines disrupt shipping: Japan signaled potential deployment of Maritime Self-Defense Force mine countermeasure vessels to the Strait of Hormuz following a ceasefire, as Tokyo evaluates a conditional response to maritime disruption caused by naval mines. Read more here.
🇬🇧 UK prepares mine-clearing vessel for possible Strait of Hormuz deployment: Britain is preparing to deploy a Royal Navy evacuation vessel to the Strait of Hormuz, equipped with a fleet of autonomous drones designed for mine detection and clearance. Last week, ministers said RFA Lyme Bay, an amphibious landing vessel currently undergoing routine maintenance in Gibraltar, would be sent to the Mediterranean for training exercises. Read more here.
🇺🇸 🌊 US eyes swift Middle East return of mine sweepers held up in Singapore, official says: The US Navy hopes to expedite the return to the Arabian Gulf of two ships refitted for minesweeping now undergoing maintenance in Singapore, a senior US official said on Wednesday, as concerns mount over Iranian threats to mine the Strait of Hormuz. Read more here.
Other EO Finds from Around the Globe:
🇧🇩 Bangladesh: Army defuses 7 landmines in Chuadanga farmland. Read more
🇨🇦 Canada: Spring reveals unexploded ordnances in Coldstream provincial park. Read more
🇨🇦 Canada: Second unexploded ordnance find in two years prompts warning for hikers to stay on-trail at Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. Read more
🇬🇷 Greece: WWII artillery shell unearthed by children in Athens field neutralized. Read more
🇮🇳 India: Army neutralises unexploded ordnances following ULFA (I) attack in Assam's Tinsukia. Read more
🇽🇰 Kosovo: KFOR removes an explosive device in Ferizaj, and the KSF another in Gjakova. Read more
🇱🇾 Libya Secures Oil Infrastructure After Discovery of Unexploded Ordnance. Read more
Malta: AFM safely removes unexploded WWII ordnance from Rabat, Birżebbuġa. Read more
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Bomb squad called to unexploded device near village homes. Read more
🇺🇸 United States: Group of kids find unexploded grenade in Fort Meade. Read more
2. Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE)
The Director General of Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), Heng Ratana, has warned the public not to touch, move, transport, or hang unexploded ordnance outside their homes, stressing that such actions pose serious danger and could lead to deadly explosions.
🇱🇧 Lebanon: MAG prepares for emergency response in Lebanon
MAG (Mines Advisory Group) is preparing an emergency response in Lebanon following heavy bombardment and mass displacement, focusing on unexploded ordnance risks. Teams plan to deliver risk education to displaced families, aid workers, and responders, helping them recognise and avoid explosive hazards. The intervention aims to reduce casualties from unexploded munitions left in populated areas.
🇱🇺 Luxembourg: Unexploded wartime ordnance still a risk in Luxembourg, Army says
The Luxembourg Army is warning the public about the ongoing risk of unexploded wartime ordnance, urging people not to touch suspicious objects and to alert authorities immediately.
3. Accidents, Survivors, Victim Assistance
🇮🇳 India: Autopsy-Based Analysis of Landmine Blast Fatalities Associated With Left-Wing Extremism
The utilisation of landmine detonations, frequently facilitated via improvised explosive devices (IEDs), continues to be a favoured strategy employed by Maoist insurgents in regions of India afflicted by left-wing extremism (LWE). Personnel tasked with anti-insurgency operations face an elevated probability of incurring fatal blast-related injuries. Conducting a forensic analysis of such fatalities is crucial to establishing consistent patterns of injury, enhancing protective measures, and guiding medico-legal protocols.
Other EO Accidents from Around the Globe:
🇦🇫 Afghanistan: Four Children Killed In Landmine Explosion In Ghazni. Read more
🇦🇫 Afghanistan: Unexploded Ordnance Blast Injures 2 Children in Kunar. Read more
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan: Condition of person injured by mine in Aghdam remains moderately severe. Read more
🇧🇩 Bangladesh: Rohingya youth critically injured in landmine blast near Myanmar border. Read more
🇲🇲 Myanmar: Man Loses Leg in Taungup Landmine Explosion. Read more
🇵🇰 Pakistan: Two killed, one injured in Kurram landmine blasts. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Civilian injured in explosion of war remnants in Palmyra. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Explosion of old landmine leaves two young men injured in Al-Raqqah desert. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Two new victims of explosion of landmines monitored in Aleppo. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Landmine explosion hits agricultural tractor in Aleppo leaving two injured. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Old ordnance | Man and his two children injured in village in Manbij countryside. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Two members of Ministry of Defence killed in explosion of landmine in Daraa. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Two civilians killed in landmine explosion in Deir Ezzor. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Man and two children injured in landmine explosion in Aleppo. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Old ordnance | Civilian killed and another injured in Al-Tabani desert in western Deir Ezzor. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Explosion of old landmine | Bodies of two civilians found after having been missed for ten days in Homs. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: While dismantling old landmines | Member of engineering teams killed at Tishreen Dam in eastern Aleppo countryside. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Number of injured people rises to five in explosions of war remnants in Al-Hasakah and Al-Raqqa. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Missile remnants fall in Rif Dimashq. Read more
🇸🇾 Syria: Child and young man injured in explosion of landmines in Daraa and Al-Raqqa. Read more
4. Advocacy, Policy, Conventions, Strategies and Standards
🇳🇬 Nigeria: The Honourable Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, at the opening of the National Mine Action Stakeholders Workshop
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, at the opening of the National Mine Action Stakeholders Workshop, held today Tuesday 24th March 2026, at Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja.
5. Stockpile Destruction, Demolition, WAM and Disarmament
🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina: NPA strengthens arms control capacities in Bosnia and Herzegovina through specialised police training
Norwegian People's Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp (NPA) has successfully completed specialised training under a project focused on the marking, labelling and registration of weapons, as well as the digitalisation of weapons data management systems under the authority of the Federal Police Administration (FUP).
6. Research, Innovation, Technology and Market Trends
🇺🇦 🇯🇵 Ukraine: Japanese technologies in humanitarian demining: UDS expand cooperation in implementing innovative solutions
Representatives of the Japanese company IOS Inc., which specialises in developing advanced demining technologies, approached UDS with a proposal to present their solution — the DMRobot demining system. The DMRobot technology is based on the use of compressed air, enabling safe soil excavation and removal of explosive ordnance without detonation. This approach significantly reduces risks for deminers and creates new opportunities for operations in complex environments.
🇬🇧 UK prepares mine-hunting drone ship: can robots clear Iran’s sea mines?
Britain is preparing to deploy a Royal Navy minehunter and autonomous systems to help clear naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz and keep oil flowing. The move follows reports Iran mined the waterway, disrupting shipping. Mine-hunting drones and allied cooperation aim to reopen the route and restore global energy supplies.
🇸🇾 Syria: Planet Launches New Initiative on Planetary Security
The HALO Trust has been selected as an inaugural cohort member in Planet’s new Planetary Security Program. Through this initiative, we'll be able to leverage their database of high-resolution satellite data, helping us better track and mitigate land mines in Syria.
The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) invites innovators, researchers, technologists, and practitioners to submit proposals to the GICHD Innovation Award 2026, a sector‑wide initiative that supports new, practical, and impactful approaches that can enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and quality in mine action responses. The 2026 GICHD Innovation Award focuses on land release and explosive ordnance risk education (EORE).
The global mechanical mine clearance system market was valued at US$ 72.9 Mn in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 104.7 Mn by the end of 2031, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% from 2023 to 2031. This steady growth trajectory reflects the increasing global urgency to eliminate landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), particularly in post-conflict and conflict-prone regions.
7. Mine Action Assistance, Funding and Cooperation
The Cambodian Mine Action Authority has called on the European Union to continue supporting Cambodia’s goal of becoming free of mines and explosive remnants of war, particularly in clearing ordnance left behind by the Thai military.
🇲🇲 🌍 Myanmar: Rakhine deserves international aid to tackle deadly landmine crisis
As the casualties from landmines and unexploded ordnance continue to mount across Rakhine State, social workers and local advocates are calling for an urgent international intervention to clear all remnants of war with an aim to prevent public lives.
🇳🇴 🌍 Norway: Pledging conference for Mine Action, Geneva
Partnership is key. Norway works closely with organizations leading standards in survey, clearance, and capacity-building, and with national authorities and affected communities. This includes Norwegian People's Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp, The HALO Trust, MAG (Mines Advisory Group), Handicap International - Humanity & Inclusion, and International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC.
8. Other News
🇮🇶 Iraq: Shareteah Humanitarian Organization Annual Report 2025
Shareteah Humanitarian Organization – SHO has announced the release of its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting its key achievements and ongoing efforts in mine action and the clearance of explosive remnants of war, as well as enhancing the safety of conflict-affected communities.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Minehunter HMS Brocklesby leaves Portsmouth for sea trials after three-year refit
After a major three-year refit, HMS Brocklesby has finally departed Portsmouth for sea trials. The Hunt-class mine countermeasures vessel has undergone a full modernisation and technological update, which included embarking autonomous and remote/offboard minehunting systems.
🎥 Video
A video circulating on social media, reportedly taken in Ras al-Ayn, north of Raqqa in Syria, shows Syrian children dismantling landmines around the town.
📅 Upcoming Events, Courses & Trainings
There are a number of interesting events for the mine action sector in the coming months, and some of the deadlines are approaching quickly.
In December 2026, Rogue Wave Atlantic Row 2026 are taking on ‘the world’s toughest row’ — a month-long, unsupported 3,000-mile expedition from the Canary Islands to Antigua in support of The HALO Trust’s life-saving work. To be part of the journey from the very start by joining the team for an unforgettable black-tie evening at Royal Windsor Racecourse (on Saturday 11 April, from 6pm) with a luxurious three-course dinner, inspiring speakers, auction, raffle, and the official handover of the team’s boat, learn more and get your tickets here.
The Mine Action: Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Partnerships speaker series is structured to address landmine and explosive remnants of war (ERW) challenges through a strictly humanitarian, civilian-protection-oriented framework, with clearly defined ethical, legal, and operational boundaries between humanitarian and military applications of technology. Dates are: FEB 19 | MAR 19 | APR 16 | MAY 21 | JUN 18 | JUL 16 | AUG 20 | SEP 17 | OCT 15 | NOV 19 | DEC 17. Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET. Location: Virtual (Zoom Webinar). Register here.
The 29th Annual Meeting of Mine Action Directors and UN Advisers will take place at the Geneva International Conference Center from 22 to 24 April 2026. Learn more and register here.
The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)'s final IMSMA Global training course for 2026 is open for registration: 02 Nov 2026 - 06 Nov 2026 (Application deadline: 2 August 2026).
🔔 Always Stay in the Know – Never Miss an Update
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