Sudan records 40 mine explosions, 66 casualties since start of conflict in April 2023
The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has led to widespread planting of mines, especially in contested regions.
Sudan's National Mine Action Centre has sounded the alarm over the dangers of landmines and explosive remnants of war, reporting 40 incidents that have claimed 16 lives and injured 50 others since April 2023.
The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has led to widespread planting of mines, especially in contested regions.
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These devices are believed to be used to slow down enemy forces.
Major General Khalid Hamdan, who heads the Centre, said the explosions have happened in areas such as Khartoum, the River Nile’s Hajar al-Asal, and parts of Al Jazirah and Sennar states.
He said that since the fighting began, more than 12,000 projectiles and 53,000 rounds of ammunition have been destroyed.
“There may still be unreported cases due to the extent of mine planting,” Hamdan said, explaining that teams are still collecting and destroying explosive materials daily.
He confirmed the removal of mines from parts of Bahri, Karari and Omdurman in Khartoum, along with parts of Al Jazirah and Sennar.
Clearance efforts are still underway in East Nile, Khartoum, and Jabal Awliya, with plans to begin work in Al-Salha and Ambada once the areas are safe.
“Work will also start in White Nile and North Kordofan,” Hamdan said.
The operations are being carried out in coordination with teams from the Sudanese army’s engineering division.
He said more than 3,000 projectiles have already been collected, and more continue to be found as the teams expand their reach.
Hamdan stressed that while progress is being made, the presence of hidden mines continues to pose serious risks.
Despite the challenges, efforts to remove deadly explosives from Sudan’s war-affected areas are ongoing as authorities try to reduce further harm.
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