Afghanistan Ranks Third Worldwide in Ammunition Explosion Deaths Amid Rising Mine Threat
Afghanistan is on a powder keg; it ranks third in the world for casualties caused by ammunition explosions. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), marking the International Day for Mine Action, reported that unexploded ordnance kills approximately 50 people each month in the country. This alarming statistic places Afghanistan as the third-highest country globally for casualties from ammunition explosions. According to UNAMA, 80% of the victims of these incidents are children.
Emphasizing the severity of the situation, UNAMA has called for immediate funding to clear mine-contaminated areas. The organization warned that continued lack of financial resources could seriously hinder the demining process and keep civilians, especially children, at high risk.
In parallel, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that in 2025, at least 217 mine and unexploded ordnance explosion incidents occurred across Afghanistan, resulting in 467 fatalities and injuries. According to the report, 92 people were killed and 375 injured, with children accounting for 66% of total casualties.
Data shows that the eastern region bore the brunt with 67 incidents, accounting for nearly one-third of the country’s total. The west and south regions followed with 48 and 34 incidents, respectively.
The Red Cross report stated that for every fatality, approximately four people were injured; many of the injured suffer life-altering wounds requiring prolonged care and support. The organization added that in 2025, it educated thousands on mine risk awareness.
Despite the widespread mine threat, demining efforts remain heavily reliant on international assistance. With the Taliban administration in charge of the country, the absence of a transparent and comprehensive national program to accelerate mine clearance has raised concerns among relief agencies and citizens.
Previously, Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan, urged the international community to increase investment in demining efforts to prevent the continuation of this humanitarian crisis.
