In a significant development following the liberation of Namirli village in the Aghdam region, a mediation event was organized, shedding light on the impactful work of female deminers involved in demining operations, Ednews reports via AZERTAC.
An informative meeting at the Vocational Training Center of the International Eurasian Press Foundation (IEPF) in Tartar highlighted the "Female Minesweepers Project." President Umud Mirzayev provided details about the initiative, emphasizing its implementation by IEPF with financial support from the European Union (EU) and the US State Department. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Mine Action Agency of The Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA), and the Mine Advisory Group (MAG) played crucial roles in mediating the project.
Implemented by all-female teams created under the EU's support and mixed-gender teams under the US State Department, the project saw 25 female minesweepers, 2 female paramedics, 3 male team leaders, deputies, and 11 male minesweepers actively clearing mines. Operating in the Bash Garvand village, Agdam region, the teams successfully cleared 595,258 square meters, discovering 8 anti-tank mines, 12 anti-personnel mines, and 71 unexploded ordinances.
IEPF, a key partner of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) since 2000, has played a pivotal role in clearing over 12 thousand hectares of land from mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) over the last two decades.
Media representatives were briefed by Ruslan Ibrahimbeyli from IEPF on the danger of explosive ammunition, with statistics revealing 345 mine-related victims from November 10, 2020, to February 14, 2024. Following the educational talk, the media toured the activities of women minesweepers in Namirli village.
On-site Operations and Challenges: Field head Nizami Abbasov informed that the women's demining group currently clears 103 square meters of land daily, uncovering 33 anti-personnel mines, 5 anti-transport mines, and 2 unexploded military ammunitions to date. IEPF President Umud Mirzayev emphasized the severity of the mine problem in Azerbaijan and praised the efforts of Azerbaijani women in addressing it.
Interviews with female minesweepers revealed their determination and pride in contributing to this humanitarian cause. Flora Shekarova, a former sports teacher and coach, expressed her long-standing desire to serve her homeland, while Seyran Babayeva, from Abdal-Gulablı village, emphasized the job's attention and responsibility requirements.
As of February 14, 2024, organizations involved in demining activities in the liberated territories cleared 118,502.6 hectares of land, neutralizing 62,228 unexploded military munitions. Notably, 31,175 anti-personnel mines and 18,790 anti-tank mines (112,193 in total) were detected and neutralized, showcasing significant strides in the post-conflict recovery process.
