Grader explodes on anti-tank mine in Aghdam Driver injured

In a recent incident in Azerbaijan's Aghdam district, a grader detonated an anti-tank mine, resulting in injuries to the driver and damage to the equipment.

According to a joint statement from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, General Prosecutor's Office, and Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA), the incident occurred on April 27, 2024, in the Marzili village of Agdam district, recently liberated from occupation, Report informs.

The driver of the grader, identified as Huseynov Vidadi Vugar oglu, born in 1994, inadvertently veered off course and triggered an anti-tank mine in an unmined area. As a result of the explosion, Huseynov sustained injuries to his right hand and was promptly evacuated to the district hospital for medical treatment.

Furthermore, the explosion caused significant damage to the equipment involved in the incident.

The Aghdam District Prosecutor's Office has initiated an investigation into the matter to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks posed by the Armenians-planted landmines and unexploded ordnance in formerly occupied territories.

Commenting on the matter, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan - Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev wrote on his page on the social network X: “Almost on a daily basis, Azerbaijani civilians face deadly 'remnants of war' - landmines implanted in millions by Armenia. Today, yet another landmine blast occurred and seriously injured ANAMA mine clearance operative.”

He noted that after the 44-day Second Karabakh War of 2020, 365 Azerbaijani citizens were blown up by mines from November 10, 2020 to April 24, 2024.

Of those 365 citizens, 65 were killed, including 50 civilians and 15 servicemen, another 291 people were injured (126 civilians, 165 servicemen).

A total of 3,435 people have been victims of mine incidents in Azerbaijan since 1991, including 358 children and 38 women.