RASC News Agency: The British Embassy in Afghanistan, based in Doha, has recently announced a significant contribution of 5.5 million pounds to support the mining sector in the country. This aid comes as part of the ongoing global assistance to Afghanistan in various sectors. According to a statement released by the embassy on Friday, December 8th, the funding provided by the UK has enabled the international demining institute, HALO Trust, to clear approximately 375 football fields worth of minefields.
The presence of landmines, remnants of past wars ranging from the Soviet occupation to the conflict between the Taliban and the former government forces, has resulted in numerous casualties, particularly among civilians, including children, in various provinces. The Taliban, during their two-decade-long conflict with the government forces, heavily relied on mine-laying as a war tactic. As a result, the country continues to suffer from the devastating impact of these hidden explosives, with Kabul being one of the most affected areas.
Despite the ongoing challenges posed by armed conflicts and the lack of a stable political system, Afghanistan has been striving to address the issue of landmines. In this regard, Mohammad Abbas Akhund, the Minister of Incidents of the Taliban Group, has specifically requested that the HALO Trust prioritize demining efforts in Kabul. The aim is to mitigate the risks faced by Afghanistani citizens, as landmines have been deployed in various parts of the city during the prolonged conflicts, causing significant harm to innocent civilians.
