75 square kilometres of suspected mine-contaminated area planned for clearance this year

(Patria) - The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, upon the proposal of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, adopted the Mine Clearance Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2026, prepared by the Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Centre.

According to assessments conducted in January 2026, the suspected hazardous area contaminated with mines in Bosnia and Herzegovina amounted to 774.69 km², representing 1.51% of the total area of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Mine Clearance Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2026 contains the following basic objectives: reduction of the suspected hazardous area, removal of mines and explosive remnants of war to prevent accidents and ensure safe use of the land for the population, and reduction of the number of residents exposed to direct risk.

The planned reduction of the suspected hazardous area in 2026 is 75 km².

The focus of mine action will continue to be on affected local communities. The reduction of mine risk and its socio-economic impact will be addressed through an integrated approach to mine action and through the concept of "land release through the formation of mine-suspected areas (MSAs)", with the aim of eliminating or reducing the risk to an acceptable level in order to create conditions for the use of specific resources and enable reconstruction and sustainable return.