In BiH still 1,417 minefields, 560 million KM needed for clearance

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are still 1,417 mined locations, which endanger the lives of more than half a million citizens or about 15% of the total population of BiH.

This is general data provided to the BiH news agency Patria by the BiH Mine Action Centre (BH MAC). Experts, however, warn that the number of mined locations in BiH could be even higher, as it is practically impossible to trace every mine or other unexploded ordnance left over from the last conflicts in BiH from 1992 to 1995.

The most contaminated areas with mines in BiH are the areas of Maglaj, Kladuša, Posavina, the Tuzla region, then the Doboj region, the area of Brod, Šamac, Lopare, and Posavina.

After the end of the conflicts in BiH, experts identified as many as 9,185 mine-suspected microlocations, where it is estimated that about 120,000 mines/UXO remained. To this day, these mines have claimed 603 lives, and 1,129 people have been injured to varying degrees. Of the total number of victims, as many as 116 were deminers who were trying to clear mines and protect citizens. Of this number, almost 50 lost their lives after being wounded.

BH MAC explains that a mine action strategy – Landmine-Free by 2019 – was adopted in BiH six years ago, which planned for an annual allocation of around 80 million KM for demining purposes and the clearance of about 35 square kilometers. However, only half of this strategy is adhered to annually, meaning only half of the planned funds are allocated for demining.

- During the six years of strategy implementation, about 50-55% of the planned amount was allocated annually. This means that about 12-15 km2 were cleared annually, out of the planned 35 km2 – BH MAC explained to the Patria agency.

Of the total funds allocated for demining in BiH, foreigners have donated more than 60% of the funds, while the rest is domestic money (local communities and businesses). BH MAC claims that they have enough personnel and equipment for field work, but the pace of demining will depend solely on the inflow of funds. To clear BiH of mines, approximately another 560 million KM is needed.