(LANA / Special): The spread of mines and unexploded ordnance poses a threat to the lives of civilians in Libya

Prepared by: Fatima Al-Warfali

Benghazi, April 5, 2026 (LANA) – The widespread presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance in Libya, resulting from civil wars, poses a constant threat to civilian lives and hinders development and stability efforts in affected areas.

These remnants are scattered throughout residential and agricultural areas, obstructing daily life and negatively impacting economic activities such as agriculture and construction, further weakening local communities.

Experts confirm that the danger posed by landmines increases over time, as natural factors such as rain, floods, and sand movement affect their locations, making them more hazardous, especially when the ground shifts or when unplanned human activities take place.

Populated areas are the most vulnerable to accidents, recording the highest number of casualties compared to unpopulated areas, which places a double burden on field efforts to remove these hazards.

Children are the most affected group, followed by demining workers and technicians, who face significant challenges in their daily work due to a lack of modern equipment, inadequate training, and a lack of coordination among relevant parties, despite their intensive efforts and considerable sacrifices to protect civilians.

Local and international stakeholders believe that demining operations contribute to protecting civilians and securing public and agricultural areas. However, the need for continued international support remains crucial to strengthening the capabilities of specialized teams, providing equipment and advanced technical training, and intensifying community awareness programs to prevent accidents.

Cooperation between local and international actors is considered key to reducing risks and improving public safety, thus contributing to stability and sustainable development in Libya.

On December 8, 2005, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 60/97, designating April 4 of each year as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. The day aims to highlight the dangers of landmines and explosive remnants of war, encourage international efforts to clear them and protect civilians, promote community awareness to reduce casualties and save lives, and work towards creating a safer environment for citizens in affected areas.

The United Nations estimates that landmines and unexploded ordnance kill and injure more than 15,000 people annually worldwide, the majority of whom are civilians, and most of whom are children. These incidents often occur in homes, farms, markets, and public roads, where victims encounter these hazards during their daily activities or economic pursuits.

...(LANA)...