Washington's decision to give anti-personnel mines to Ukraine is the biggest blow yet to a landmark anti-mine treaty, its signatories said during a meeting.

Ukraine is a signatory to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of landmines.&nbsp;

The United States, which has not signed up to the treaty, said last week it would transfer landmines to Ukraine to aid its efforts in fighting Russia's invasion.&nbsp;

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has called the mines "very important" to halting Russian attacks.

Ukraine receiving US mine shipments would be in "direct violation" of the treaty, the convention of its signatories said in a statement released late Tuesday.&nbsp;

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"In the 25 years since the Convention entered into force, this landmark humanitarian disarmament treaty had never faced such a challenge to its integrity," it said.&nbsp;

"The Convention community&nbsp;must remain united in its resolve to uphold the Convention's norms and principles."

Ukraine's delegation to a conference on progress under the anti-landmine treaty in Cambodia on Tuesday did not mention the US offer in its remarks.&nbsp;

In its presentation, Ukrainian defence official Oleksandr Riabtsev said Russia was carrying out "genocidal activities" by laying landmines on its territory.

Riabtsev refused to comment when asked by AFP journalists about the US landmines offer on Wednesday.

Ukraine's commitment to destroy its landmine stockpiles left over from the Soviet Union was also "currently not possible" due to Russia's invasion, defence ministry official Yevhenii Kivshyk told the conference.

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Moscow and Kyiv have been ratcheting up their drone and missile attacks, with Ukraine recently firing US long-range missiles at Russia and the Kremlin retaliating with an experimental hypersonic missile.

The Siem Reap conference is a five-yearly meeting held by signatories to the anti-landmine treaty to assess progress in its objective towards a world without antipersonnel mines.

On Tuesday, landmine victims from across the world gathered at the meeting to protest Washington's decision. 
More than 100 demonstrators lined the walkway taken by delegates to the conference venue in Cambodia's Siem Reap.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Washington's decision to give anti-personnel mines to Ukraine is the biggest blow yet to a landmark anti-mine treaty, its signatories said during a meeting. Ukraine is a signatory to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of landmines.

Washington's decision to give anti-personnel mines to Ukraine is the biggest blow yet to a landmark anti-mine treaty, its signatories said during a meeting. Ukraine is a signatory to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of landmines. The United States, which has not signed up to the treaty, said last week it would transfer landmines to Ukraine to aid its efforts in fighting Russia's invasion. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has called the mines "very important" to halting Russian attacks. Ukraine receiving US mine shipments would be in "direct violation" of the treaty, the convention of its signatories said in a statement released late Tuesday. Also read | Bolsonaro 'actively participated' in 2022 coup plot: Police "In the 25 years since the Convention entered into force, this landmark humanitarian disarmament treaty had never faced such a challenge to its integrity," it said. "The Convention community must remain united in its resolve to uphold the Convention's norms and principles." Ukraine's delegation to a conference on progress under the anti-landmine treaty in Cambodia on Tuesday did not mention the US offer in its remarks. In its presentation, Ukrainian defence official Oleksandr Riabtsev said Russia was carrying out "genocidal activities" by laying landmines on its territory. Riabtsev refused to comment when asked by AFP journalists about the US landmines offer on Wednesday. Ukraine's commitment to destroy its landmine stockpiles left over from the Soviet Union was also "currently not possible" due to Russia's invasion, defence ministry official Yevhenii Kivshyk told the conference. Also read | Australia clears bill banning children from social media, LinkedIn says its platform is 'too dull for kids' Moscow and Kyiv have been ratcheting up their drone and missile attacks, with Ukraine recently firing US long-range missiles at Russia and the Kremlin retaliating with an experimental hypersonic missile. The Siem Reap conference is a five-yearly meeting held by signatories to the anti-landmine treaty to assess progress in its objective towards a world without antipersonnel mines. On Tuesday, landmine victims from across the world gathered at the meeting to protest Washington's decision. More than 100 demonstrators lined the walkway taken by delegates to the conference venue in Cambodia's Siem Reap. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Anti-mine treaty signatories slam US decision to send landmines to Ukraine

South Korea's military said on Wednesday (Jul 17) that North Korean soldiers have been installing barriers and landmines along the front line for months despite accidents. Seoul said that Pyongyang&nbsp;has recently placed tens of thousands of additional deadly explosives along the heavily fortified border. In addition to that, the weather might make the situation worse.&nbsp;

As reported by the news agency Reuters, the defence ministry provided a statement citing the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) which stated that North Korea's military has continued its work forcibly despite multiple casualties caused by some 10 accidents involving landmine explosions and heat illness.&nbsp;

The ministry said that female soldiers were also deployed for the work in some areas.&nbsp;

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South Korea's Defence Minister Shin Won-sik held a meeting on the same day on North Korea's "provocations" and said the military faces a "complex crisis" further complicated by unpredictable natural disasters, according to a separate statement released by the ministry.&nbsp;

Seoul said that along with anti-tank barriers and reinforced roadways, border construction has been underway since April and during that period,&nbsp;Pyongyang also&nbsp;laid mines.&nbsp;

South Korean officials believe that North Korea wants to strengthen its frontline security posture.&nbsp;

South Korea said it was also preparing for the possibility of North Korean soldiers accidentally defecting amid poor working conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Seoul raised serious concerns about the possibility of these landmines getting swept into the South by flooding. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, heavy rain battered the South Korean capital&nbsp;and surrounding areas on Wednesday with downpours expected for North Korea.&nbsp;

The statement read that South Korea's military was getting ready to react in case the North released dam water unexpectedly during intense rain and landmines were washed away.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

South Korea's military said on Wednesday (Jul 17) that North Korean soldiers have been installing barriers and landmines along the front line for months despite accidents.

South Korea's military said on Wednesday (Jul 17) that North Korean soldiers have been installing barriers and landmines along the front line for months despite accidents. Seoul said that Pyongyang has recently placed tens of thousands of additional deadly explosives along the heavily fortified border. In addition to that, the weather might make the situation worse. As reported by the news agency Reuters, the defence ministry provided a statement citing the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) which stated that North Korea's military has continued its work forcibly despite multiple casualties caused by some 10 accidents involving landmine explosions and heat illness. The ministry said that female soldiers were also deployed for the work in some areas. Also read: 'Pass the torch': Biden faces strongest call so far to step aside from White House race South Korea's Defence Minister Shin Won-sik held a meeting on the same day on North Korea's "provocations" and said the military faces a "complex crisis" further complicated by unpredictable natural disasters, according to a separate statement released by the ministry. Seoul said that along with anti-tank barriers and reinforced roadways, border construction has been underway since April and during that period, Pyongyang also laid mines. South Korean officials believe that North Korea wants to strengthen its frontline security posture. South Korea said it was also preparing for the possibility of North Korean soldiers accidentally defecting amid poor working conditions. Also read: Court rules European Commission chief Ursula violated transparency norms in vaccine contracts Seoul raised serious concerns about the possibility of these landmines getting swept into the South by flooding. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, heavy rain battered the South Korean capital and surrounding areas on Wednesday with downpours expected for North Korea. The statement read that South Korea's military was getting ready to react in case the North released dam water unexpectedly during intense rain and landmines were washed away. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea installing more landmines along front line that could sweep into the South: Report

Two experts have found that bombs and other explosives from World War I and World War II, which are still buried inside the ground, are becoming even more volatile. The ordnance specialists, one from the University of Stavanger's Department of Safety and the other from the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, suggested that the chances are high that such explosives would explode if they are disturbed.&nbsp;

The researchers, Geir Novik and Dennis Christensen, have published their report on March 27 in the journal Royal Society Open Science. It's titled, "Increased impact sensitivity in ageing high explosives; analysis of Amatol extracted from explosive remnants of war". The researchers revealed the analysis of testing they did on recovered bombs.&nbsp;

The research said that millions of tonnes of explosive remnants of war remain in nature and their volume is continuously growing. The explosive legacy of wars represents an increasing threat to the environment and societal safety and security.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/old-landmine-explodes-in-southeastern-afghanistan-kills-nine-children-706583">Old landmine explodes in southeastern Afghanistan; nine children killed</a>&nbsp;

Large amounts of explosives were fired at opposing forces by armies in various parts of Europe and other places during WWI and WWII. Reports have revealed that many of those did not explode as they were supposed and because of the force of their impact, they were embedded in the ground and left buried there even now.&nbsp;

"As munitions continue to deteriorate, harmful constituents will eventually leak into the environment, poisoning ecological receptors and contaminating the surrounding soil and groundwater," the research noted.&nbsp;

The research further noted that the munition deterioration due to exposure to various environmental factors may ultimately cause them to become increasingly sensitive to external stimuli and susceptible to accidental detonation.&nbsp;

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The researchers said in the report that they have to thoroughly assess how to address these ageing munitions. They suggested that they must first establish certain "threshold values for safe and secure handling and final disposal of the explosive ordnance".&nbsp;

April 4 is marked as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action for awareness of why landmines are one of the most insidious and indiscriminate weapons of war. Last year in April, the United Nations published a report on the deadly legacy of landmines.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Two experts have found that bombs and other explosives from World War I and World War II, which are still buried inside the ground, are becoming even more volatile.

Two experts have found that bombs and other explosives from World War I and World War II, which are still buried inside the ground, are becoming even more volatile. The ordnance specialists, one from the University of Stavanger's Department of Safety and the other from the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, suggested that the chances are high that such explosives would explode if they are disturbed. The researchers, Geir Novik and Dennis Christensen, have published their report on March 27 in the journal Royal Society Open Science. It's titled, "Increased impact sensitivity in ageing high explosives; analysis of Amatol extracted from explosive remnants of war". The researchers revealed the analysis of testing they did on recovered bombs. The research said that millions of tonnes of explosive remnants of war remain in nature and their volume is continuously growing. The explosive legacy of wars represents an increasing threat to the environment and societal safety and security. Also read: Old landmine explodes in southeastern Afghanistan; nine children killed Large amounts of explosives were fired at opposing forces by armies in various parts of Europe and other places during WWI and WWII. Reports have revealed that many of those did not explode as they were supposed and because of the force of their impact, they were embedded in the ground and left buried there even now. "As munitions continue to deteriorate, harmful constituents will eventually leak into the environment, poisoning ecological receptors and contaminating the surrounding soil and groundwater," the research noted. The research further noted that the munition deterioration due to exposure to various environmental factors may ultimately cause them to become increasingly sensitive to external stimuli and susceptible to accidental detonation. Also read: Denisovans DNA shows connection with ‘dragon man’ 100,000 years ago The researchers said in the report that they have to thoroughly assess how to address these ageing munitions. They suggested that they must first establish certain "threshold values for safe and secure handling and final disposal of the explosive ordnance". April 4 is marked as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action for awareness of why landmines are one of the most insidious and indiscriminate weapons of war. Last year in April, the United Nations published a report on the deadly legacy of landmines. (With inputs from agencies)

World War I and World War II bombs embedded in ground are becoming dangerous: Research

An old landmine, supposedly laid during decades-old conflict in Afghanistan, exploded overnight in the southeastern part of the nation, killing nine children - five girls and four boys - a provincial official said Monday (Apr 1).&nbsp;

According to the provincial head of the information and culture department, Hamidullah Nisar, the "unexploded mine" went off on Sunday as a group of young boys and girls were playing with it in the district of Geru, in Ghazni province.&nbsp;

"An unexploded mine left over from the time of the Russian invasion went off when they were playing with it. Unfortunately, it killed nine children," Nisar told AFP.&nbsp;

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Local police from the region said that the children were aged from four to 10 years.&nbsp;

Nisar claimed that the ordnance was left over from the time of the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s.

The United Nations in Kabul said Monday that tens of thousands of civilians, including women and children, in Afghanistan, had been killed or injured by landmines and explosives.&nbsp;

It posted on X that UN&nbsp;"#MinAction partners have cleared 3,011 km2 (1,162 mi2) of land." It stressed&nbsp;that "more work"&nbsp;was needed to protect Afghans.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Afghanistan has suffered decades of conflicts from the Soviet invasion in 1979, after that the civil war, and the 20-year Taliban insurgency against foreign-backed governments.&nbsp;

During that time, different parts of the nation were littered with unexploded mines, grenades and mortars from conflict&nbsp;spanning decades.&nbsp;

However, since the Taliban seized power in August 2021, ending the insurgency, violence has reduced dramatically across the country. But remnants of the past still haunt the nation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An old landmine, supposedly laid during decades-old conflict in Afghanistan, exploded overnight in the southeastern part of the nation, killing nine children - five girls and four boys - a provincial official said Monday (Apr 1).

An old landmine, supposedly laid during decades-old conflict in Afghanistan, exploded overnight in the southeastern part of the nation, killing nine children - five girls and four boys - a provincial official said Monday (Apr 1). According to the provincial head of the information and culture department, Hamidullah Nisar, the "unexploded mine" went off on Sunday as a group of young boys and girls were playing with it in the district of Geru, in Ghazni province. "An unexploded mine left over from the time of the Russian invasion went off when they were playing with it. Unfortunately, it killed nine children," Nisar told AFP. Also read: Bangladesh PM dares opposition amidst anti-India campaign: 'Burn your wives' Indian sarees' Local police from the region said that the children were aged from four to 10 years. Nisar claimed that the ordnance was left over from the time of the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s. The United Nations in Kabul said Monday that tens of thousands of civilians, including women and children, in Afghanistan, had been killed or injured by landmines and explosives. It posted on X that UN "#MinAction partners have cleared 3,011 km2 (1,162 mi2) of land." It stressed that "more work" was needed to protect Afghans. Also read: Pak enforces red carpet ban at official events to cut expenses amid economic crisis Afghanistan has suffered decades of conflicts from the Soviet invasion in 1979, after that the civil war, and the 20-year Taliban insurgency against foreign-backed governments. During that time, different parts of the nation were littered with unexploded mines, grenades and mortars from conflict spanning decades. However, since the Taliban seized power in August 2021, ending the insurgency, violence has reduced dramatically across the country. But remnants of the past still haunt the nation. (With inputs from agencies)

Old landmine explodes in southeastern Afghanistan; nine children killed

Thirteen truffle hunters in the Syrian desert were killed following a blast in a landmine left by the Islamic State (IS or ISIS), the news agency AFP reported on Sunday (Feb 25) citing a war monitor. According to the Syria Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the explosion happened as the hunters were searching for truffles in the desert in the Raqqa province.

"Thirteen civilians, including women... were killed when a landmine left by the IS group exploded while they were searching for truffles in Raqqa," the SOHR said.&nbsp;

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These killings come after five truffle hunters were killed in a suspected IS ambush in Syria's central Homs province on Friday, state media reported. According to the news agency SANA, the assailants were on a motorcycle when they opened fire in the Jab al-Jirah area. The hunters were killed as they were picking truffles.&nbsp;

A member of the regime forces was also killed in the attack.

The Syrian desert is known for producing some of the best quality truffles in the world. Every year between February and April, foragers risk their lives to collect truffles in the desert - a known hideout for jihadists - which is also littered with landmines, AFP reported.

Authorities have repeatedly warned Syrians not to venture into the desert in search of truffles.&nbsp;

The IS carried out at least 50 attacks in the desert killing 101 members of the Syrian army and their affiliated groups, as well as 10 civilians, a report by Rudaw said on Saturday citing the SOHR.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Thirteen truffle hunters in the Syrian desert were killed following a blast in a landmine left by the Islamic State (IS or ISIS), the news agency AFP reported on Sunday (Feb 25) citing a war monitor.

Thirteen truffle hunters in the Syrian desert were killed following a blast in a landmine left by the Islamic State (IS or ISIS), the news agency AFP reported on Sunday (Feb 25) citing a war monitor. According to the Syria Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the explosion happened as the hunters were searching for truffles in the desert in the Raqqa province. "Thirteen civilians, including women... were killed when a landmine left by the IS group exploded while they were searching for truffles in Raqqa," the SOHR said. Also read | Shamima Begum, former 'ISIS bride', loses appeal against UK citizenship revocation These killings come after five truffle hunters were killed in a suspected IS ambush in Syria's central Homs province on Friday, state media reported. According to the news agency SANA, the assailants were on a motorcycle when they opened fire in the Jab al-Jirah area. The hunters were killed as they were picking truffles. A member of the regime forces was also killed in the attack. The Syrian desert is known for producing some of the best quality truffles in the world. Every year between February and April, foragers risk their lives to collect truffles in the desert - a known hideout for jihadists - which is also littered with landmines, AFP reported. Authorities have repeatedly warned Syrians not to venture into the desert in search of truffles. The IS carried out at least 50 attacks in the desert killing 101 members of the Syrian army and their affiliated groups, as well as 10 civilians, a report by Rudaw said on Saturday citing the SOHR. (with inputs from agencies)

13 truffle hunters killed in Syrian desert in Islamic State landmine blast

A landmine has killed 10 civilians on a bus in northern Sudan, a medical source said Sunday, in what appeared to be the first such incident during the country's war.

The conflict pitting the regular army against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted in April, and has led to thousands of people being killed and millions displaced.

A medical source at a hospital in Shendi city in River Nile state, who requested anonymity, told AFP that "10 civilians were killed as a result of a mine explosion on a bus" on Saturday.

The vehicle was transporting the passengers from eastern Al-Jazira state to Shendi, 180 kilometres (112 miles) from Khartoum, when the blast happened, the source said.&nbsp;

Watch | 2023: Rise of military rulers in Africa, military rulers fighting for control in Sudan

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It is believed to be the first landmine blast to have occurred during the war between Sudan's rival generals, army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

Neither side has officially commented on the explosion.&nbsp;

Both sides have been accused of war crimes, including the indiscriminate shelling of residential areas, torture and arbitrary detention of civilians.

The RSF has also been accused of ethnically motivated mass killings, rampant looting and rapes.

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After months of a relative stalemate between the two forces, the RSF has managed to expand their territory throughout the country towards the east, where the army has so far remained in control.

The feared paramilitary now controls nearly all the vast western region of Darfur, the streets of the capital, and has pressed further south, north and east.

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More than 13,000 people have been killed since the war began, according to a conservative estimate by the Armed Conflict Location &amp; Event Data Project, and the United Nations says more than seven million people have been displaced.

A landmine has killed 10 civilians on a bus in northern Sudan, a medical source said Sunday, in what appeared to be the first such incident during the country's war.

A landmine has killed 10 civilians on a bus in northern Sudan, a medical source said Sunday, in what appeared to be the first such incident during the country's war. The conflict pitting the regular army against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted in April, and has led to thousands of people being killed and millions displaced. A medical source at a hospital in Shendi city in River Nile state, who requested anonymity, told AFP that "10 civilians were killed as a result of a mine explosion on a bus" on Saturday. The vehicle was transporting the passengers from eastern Al-Jazira state to Shendi, 180 kilometres (112 miles) from Khartoum, when the blast happened, the source said. Watch | 2023: Rise of military rulers in Africa, military rulers fighting for control in Sudan × It is believed to be the first landmine blast to have occurred during the war between Sudan's rival generals, army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. Neither side has officially commented on the explosion. Both sides have been accused of war crimes, including the indiscriminate shelling of residential areas, torture and arbitrary detention of civilians. The RSF has also been accused of ethnically motivated mass killings, rampant looting and rapes. Also Read | Dozens of civilians killed in bombardments over Sudan capital: NGO After months of a relative stalemate between the two forces, the RSF has managed to expand their territory throughout the country towards the east, where the army has so far remained in control. The feared paramilitary now controls nearly all the vast western region of Darfur, the streets of the capital, and has pressed further south, north and east. Also Read | Israel ‘genocide’ case: Western countries reject S. Africa’s charges; Turkey to provide documents More than 13,000 people have been killed since the war began, according to a conservative estimate by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, and the United Nations says more than seven million people have been displaced.

Ten civilians killed in Sudan landmine explosion: Medical source

At least seven people have been killed in a landmine blast in Pakistan's Balochistan province, said Pakistani news outlet Dawn. The report said that the blast took place in Balochistan's Panjgur&nbsp;district on Monday night (August 7). Those killed included the&nbsp;chairman of a Union Council (UC).

"Miscreants had planted a remote explosive device to target a vehicle carrying Balgatar UC Chairman Ishtiaq Yaqoob and others who were returning from a wedding ceremony," the Dawn quoted Amjad Somro, deputy commissioner of Panjgur, as saying.

He said that as the vehicle reached Chakar Bazar in the Balgatar area, the explosive device detonated resulting in the death of the seven people.

Those killed were identified as Mohammad Yaqoob, Ibrahim, Wajid Fida Hussain, Sarfaraz and Haider, as reported by Dawn. The news outlet said that they hailed from Baltagar and Panjgur. Identities of four of the deceased were ascertained by their relatives at a hospital.

More details of the blast are awaited. Yakub Balgatri, father of Ishaq Balgatri, and 10 of his companions were also killed in the same area in September 2014. The outlawed Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Express Tribune reported that officials fear the involvement of the same organisation in the latest blast.

The news outlet cited a levies official who reportedly disclosed that the blast took place 140 kilometres away from the Panjgur area and near the Kech district's border. Both Panjgur and Kech districts also share borders with Iran.

The area has seen dozens of deadly attacks on security forces and government-backed groups.

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At least seven people have been killed in a landmine blast in Pakistan's Balochistan province, said Pakistani news outlet Dawn. The report said that the blast took place in Balochistan's Panjgur district on Monday night (August 7).

At least seven people have been killed in a landmine blast in Pakistan's Balochistan province, said Pakistani news outlet Dawn. The report said that the blast took place in Balochistan's Panjgur district on Monday night (August 7). Those killed included the chairman of a Union Council (UC). "Miscreants had planted a remote explosive device to target a vehicle carrying Balgatar UC Chairman Ishtiaq Yaqoob and others who were returning from a wedding ceremony," the Dawn quoted Amjad Somro, deputy commissioner of Panjgur, as saying. He said that as the vehicle reached Chakar Bazar in the Balgatar area, the explosive device detonated resulting in the death of the seven people. Those killed were identified as Mohammad Yaqoob, Ibrahim, Wajid Fida Hussain, Sarfaraz and Haider, as reported by Dawn. The news outlet said that they hailed from Baltagar and Panjgur. Identities of four of the deceased were ascertained by their relatives at a hospital. More details of the blast are awaited. Yakub Balgatri, father of Ishaq Balgatri, and 10 of his companions were also killed in the same area in September 2014. The outlawed Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) claimed responsibility for the attack. The Express Tribune reported that officials fear the involvement of the same organisation in the latest blast. The news outlet cited a levies official who reportedly disclosed that the blast took place 140 kilometres away from the Panjgur area and near the Kech district's border. Both Panjgur and Kech districts also share borders with Iran. The area has seen dozens of deadly attacks on security forces and government-backed groups. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Landmine blast in Balochistan kills seven: Reports

Landmines that are already laid in huge numbers are a problem in many countries across the world. These ladmines, often laid during a period of conflict, stay buried even when the conflict is over and continue to kill unsuspecting civilians who happen to step on them. Clearing landmines in peacetime is hence a very important work.

Perhaps because of this death of a gold medal-winning, landmine-sniffing rat is being mourned in Cambodia. The rat was awarded gold medal for his heroism for clearing ordnance from the Cambodian countryside. Magawa the rat's death was announced by his charity on Wednesday.

Magawa, a giant African pouched rat originally from Tanzania, helped clear mines from about 225,000 square metres of land -- the equivalent of 42 football pitches -- over the course of his career.

After detecting more than 100 landmines and other explosives, Magawa retired in June last year.

Magawa passed away "peacefully" this weekend at the age of eight, the Belgian charity APOPO, which trained him, said in a statement.

"All of us at APOPO are feeling the loss of Magawa and we are grateful for the incredible work he's done," the group said. 
APOPO said Magawa was in good health and spent most of last week playing with his usual enthusiasm.

But towards the weekend "he started to slow down, napping more and showing less interest in food in his last days," the charity said.

APOPO trained Magawa to detect the chemical compounds in explosives by rewarding him with tasty treats -- his favourites being bananas and peanuts. 
He would alert deminers by scratching the earth after using "his amazing sense of smell".

Magawa was able to cover an area the size of a tennis court in 30 minutes, something that would take four days using a conventional metal detector.

In September 2020, the rodent won the animal equivalent of Britain's highest civilian honour for bravery because of his uncanny knack for uncovering landmines and unexploded ordnance.

<img alt="Magawa the rat" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d379978d-d9c0-419f-af4c-f205e0a0b1c0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8QP2QV.jpg" />

Magawa was the first rat to receive a medal from British veterinary charity PDSA in the 77 years of the awards, joining an illustrious band of brave canines, felines -- and even a pigeon.

Millions of landmines were laid in Cambodia during the country's nearly three-decade civil war which ended in 1998, causing tens of thousands of casualties.

Three Cambodian deminers were killed on Monday by anti-tank landmines that exploded as they tried to remove them, just 20 minutes after a man burning vegetation on his farm was killed by war-era ordnance in the same village.

(With inputs from agencies)

Landmines that are already laid in huge numbers are a problem in many countries across the world. These ladmines, often laid during a period of conflict, stay buried even when the conflict is over and continue to kill unsuspecting civilians who happen to step on them.

Landmines that are already laid in huge numbers are a problem in many countries across the world. These ladmines, often laid during a period of conflict, stay buried even when the conflict is over and continue to kill unsuspecting civilians who happen to step on them. Clearing landmines in peacetime is hence a very important work. Perhaps because of this death of a gold medal-winning, landmine-sniffing rat is being mourned in Cambodia. The rat was awarded gold medal for his heroism for clearing ordnance from the Cambodian countryside. Magawa the rat's death was announced by his charity on Wednesday. Magawa, a giant African pouched rat originally from Tanzania, helped clear mines from about 225,000 square metres of land -- the equivalent of 42 football pitches -- over the course of his career. After detecting more than 100 landmines and other explosives, Magawa retired in June last year. Magawa passed away "peacefully" this weekend at the age of eight, the Belgian charity APOPO, which trained him, said in a statement. "All of us at APOPO are feeling the loss of Magawa and we are grateful for the incredible work he's done," the group said. APOPO said Magawa was in good health and spent most of last week playing with his usual enthusiasm. But towards the weekend "he started to slow down, napping more and showing less interest in food in his last days," the charity said. APOPO trained Magawa to detect the chemical compounds in explosives by rewarding him with tasty treats -- his favourites being bananas and peanuts. He would alert deminers by scratching the earth after using "his amazing sense of smell". Magawa was able to cover an area the size of a tennis court in 30 minutes, something that would take four days using a conventional metal detector. In September 2020, the rodent won the animal equivalent of Britain's highest civilian honour for bravery because of his uncanny knack for uncovering landmines and unexploded ordnance. Magawa was the first rat to receive a medal from British veterinary charity PDSA in the 77 years of the awards, joining an illustrious band of brave canines, felines -- and even a pigeon. Millions of landmines were laid in Cambodia during the country's nearly three-decade civil war which ended in 1998, causing tens of thousands of casualties. Three Cambodian deminers were killed on Monday by anti-tank landmines that exploded as they tried to remove them, just 20 minutes after a man burning vegetation on his farm was killed by war-era ordnance in the same village. (With inputs from agencies)

Gold medal winning, landmine-sniffing rat dies in Cambodia

A German tourist was killed and an Argentine woman injured in a landmine explosion in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../myanmar-may-have-chemical-weapons- stockpile-us-264480"> Myanmar</a>'s eastern Shan state, local police said Wednesday, days after the country was shamed over its continuing use of the weapons.

The accident happened near the town of Hsipaw, a popular hiking spot for backpackers who often ride the scenic route by train from Mandalay to reach the mountains.

A 40-year-old German tourist was "killed in a mine blast", a duty police officer from Hsipaw township told AFP by phone Wednesday on condition of anonymity.

The explosion happened Tuesday afternoon near the villages of Pan Nayung and Kwun Haung, he said.

"Tourists are not permitted to go to that area."

He confirmed a 39-year-old Argentine woman was also "slightly injured" in the accident.

Local NGO Without Borders, which runs a de facto ambulance service staffed by volunteers, told AFP she had since been discharged from hospital.

Huge swathes of Myanmar's restive borderlands are no-go areas for holidaymakers, with various ethnic armed groups fighting the military for more autonomy in shifting violence that has endured for decades.

Two foreign tourists were injured in a mine blast in 2016 in nearby Kyaukme township, according to local media.

Myanmar was one of the top offenders named in the Landmine Monitor 2019 report published last week.

The watchdog said it was the only country in the world where the use of new antipersonnel mines had been documented over the past year.

Both the military and armed groups stand accused of using mines and the country has so far refused to sign the Mine Ban Treaty.

A German tourist was killed and an Argentine woman injured in a landmine explosion in Myanmar's eastern Shan state, local police said Wednesday, days after the country was shamed over its continuing use of the weapons.

A German tourist was killed and an Argentine woman injured in a landmine explosion in Myanmar's eastern Shan state, local police said Wednesday, days after the country was shamed over its continuing use of the weapons. The accident happened near the town of Hsipaw, a popular hiking spot for backpackers who often ride the scenic route by train from Mandalay to reach the mountains. A 40-year-old German tourist was "killed in a mine blast", a duty police officer from Hsipaw township told AFP by phone Wednesday on condition of anonymity. The explosion happened Tuesday afternoon near the villages of Pan Nayung and Kwun Haung, he said. "Tourists are not permitted to go to that area." He confirmed a 39-year-old Argentine woman was also "slightly injured" in the accident. Local NGO Without Borders, which runs a de facto ambulance service staffed by volunteers, told AFP she had since been discharged from hospital. Huge swathes of Myanmar's restive borderlands are no-go areas for holidaymakers, with various ethnic armed groups fighting the military for more autonomy in shifting violence that has endured for decades. Two foreign tourists were injured in a mine blast in 2016 in nearby Kyaukme township, according to local media. Myanmar was one of the top offenders named in the Landmine Monitor 2019 report published last week. The watchdog said it was the only country in the world where the use of new antipersonnel mines had been documented over the past year. Both the military and armed groups stand accused of using mines and the country has so far refused to sign the Mine Ban Treaty.

German tourist killed in Myanmar landmine blast

A video featuring an Afghani boy has been making rounds on Twitter and other social media platforms since Monday.&nbsp;

The video shows Ahmed, who appears to be seven or eight years old, celebrating after receiving an artificial limb at the orthopaedic centre of International Committee of the Red Cross in Afghanistan. He lost his limb in a mine blast last year.

The heart-warming video captures the moment when Ahmed got back on his feet after last year’s injury in an explosive attack. The video shows the onlookers and patients gathered at the hospital cheering and greeting the boy as he dances in delight on the local music.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Ahmad received artificial limb in <a href="https://twitter.com/ICRC_af?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICRC_af</a> Orthopedic center, he shows his emotion with dance after getting limbs. He come from Logar and lost his leg in a landmine. This is how his life changed and made him smile. <a href="https://t.co/Sg7jJbUD2V">pic.twitter.com/Sg7jJbUD2V</a>
— Roya Musawi (@roya_musawi) <a href="https://twitter.com/roya_musawi/status/1125293529486569472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The social media users poured in their support to the small boy's inspiring story and celebratory dancing moment in the video as a symbol of Afghanistan’s resistance to war and optimism to the future and the boy as a living inspiration for millions of Afghanis.

Despite the presence of several international agencies in the region, schools have been targeted in the past by anti-government suicide bombings of Taliban since the Afghan war began after US forces led a campaign to overthrow the Taliban in the wake of 2001's 9/11 attacks.

A United Nation’s report suggests that if the United States of America had the similar share of its citizen killed in conflicts such as Afghanistan in 2018 alone, it will lead to death of almost 34,000 US citizens, which counts more than 10 times the number of people killed in the past attack of 9/11 on twin tower.

The maximum numbers of death in Afghanistan were caused due to anti-government suicide bombings that included the intentionally targeted non-combatants. The 674 civilian casualties have been attributed to international forces were almost all a result of aerial bombings.

Nevertheless, this video also raises the concern of moribund action on 3,804 civilian deaths last year, including 927 children, which is also the highest recorded number of casualties in the country's long-running war.&nbsp;

The international forces have been venturing in the Afghan land for more than a decade now and have been air attacking with missiles, mortars and rockets in several civilian areas as well destructing the city and schools suspected as Taliban terrorist’s hideout location.

A video featuring an Afghani boy has been making rounds on Twitter and other social media platforms since Monday. The video shows Ahmed, who appears to be seven or eight years old, celebrating after receiving an artificial limb at the orthopaedic centre of International Committee of the Red Cross in Afghanistan.

A video featuring an Afghani boy has been making rounds on Twitter and other social media platforms since Monday. The video shows Ahmed, who appears to be seven or eight years old, celebrating after receiving an artificial limb at the orthopaedic centre of International Committee of the Red Cross in Afghanistan. He lost his limb in a mine blast last year. The heart-warming video captures the moment when Ahmed got back on his feet after last year’s injury in an explosive attack. The video shows the onlookers and patients gathered at the hospital cheering and greeting the boy as he dances in delight on the local music. Ahmad received artificial limb in @ICRC_af Orthopedic center, he shows his emotion with dance after getting limbs. He come from Logar and lost his leg in a landmine. This is how his life changed and made him smile. pic.twitter.com/Sg7jJbUD2V — Roya Musawi (@roya_musawi) May 6, 2019 × The social media users poured in their support to the small boy's inspiring story and celebratory dancing moment in the video as a symbol of Afghanistan’s resistance to war and optimism to the future and the boy as a living inspiration for millions of Afghanis. Despite the presence of several international agencies in the region, schools have been targeted in the past by anti-government suicide bombings of Taliban since the Afghan war began after US forces led a campaign to overthrow the Taliban in the wake of 2001's 9/11 attacks. A United Nation’s report suggests that if the United States of America had the similar share of its citizen killed in conflicts such as Afghanistan in 2018 alone, it will lead to death of almost 34,000 US citizens, which counts more than 10 times the number of people killed in the past attack of 9/11 on twin tower. The maximum numbers of death in Afghanistan were caused due to anti-government suicide bombings that included the intentionally targeted non-combatants. The 674 civilian casualties have been attributed to international forces were almost all a result of aerial bombings. Nevertheless, this video also raises the concern of moribund action on 3,804 civilian deaths last year, including 927 children, which is also the highest recorded number of casualties in the country's long-running war. The international forces have been venturing in the Afghan land for more than a decade now and have been air attacking with missiles, mortars and rockets in several civilian areas as well destructing the city and schools suspected as Taliban terrorist’s hideout location.

Afghan boy, who lost a leg to landmine blast, dances with joy after getting a prosthetic leg

One person was injured when military trucks hit landmines in Myanmar&#39;s troubled Rakhine State this week, state media said on Friday, amid ethnic tension following an army crackdown that sent hundreds of thousands of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-military-denies-atrocities-against-rohingya-24141">Rohingya Muslims fleeing</a>.

More than 600,000 of the refugees have entered neighbouring <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/rohingya-can-return-only-if-myanmars-real-citizens-accept-army-24369">Bangladesh</a> since Aug. 25 attacks by Rohingya militants sparked the army operation. Killings, arson and rape carried out by troops and ethnic Rakhine Buddhist mobs since then amount to ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya, the United Nations says.

Three landmine blasts caused extensive damage to three military trucks in Rakhine&#39;s central Minbya township on Wednesday morning, the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said.

The landmines were &quot;apparently targeting&quot; army convoys, it added.

Later that day, another landmine exploded near the village of Vethali in central Rakhine as seven military trucks passed, injuring one pedestrian but causing no damage to the vehicles, the paper said.

It was not clear who was responsible for the attacks. Several landmine explosions were reported near the area this year.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-panel-votes-to-hike-pay-of-h-1b-visa-holders-from-60000-to-90000-24410">United Nations</a> staff and aid workers have said they fear violence in northern Rakhine could spread to new areas as Buddhist villagers in more peaceful areas enforce a system of local apartheid that punishes people trading with minority Muslims.

Many in Buddhist-majority Myanmar see Rohingya Muslims as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, although many of the Rohingya can trace family for generations.

After the August attacks on police posts by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), which the government has declared a terrorist organisation, security forces unleashed a brutal counteroffensive in Muslim-majority northern Rakhine.

Even though <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-army-chief-issues-controversial-comments-over-rohingya-muslims-6774">Myanmar </a>says military operations ceased on Sept. 5, hundreds of refugees have continued to cross the Naf river separating Rakhine and Bangladesh in recent weeks.

Separately, Myanmar security forces have arrested 19 men suspected of involvement in the August attacks and charged them under the anti-terrorism law, the newspaper said on Friday.

The landmines were 'apparently targeting' army convoys, the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said

One person was injured when military trucks hit landmines in Myanmar's troubled Rakhine State this week, state media said on Friday, amid ethnic tension following an army crackdown that sent hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims fleeing. More than 600,000 of the refugees have entered neighbouring Bangladesh since Aug. 25 attacks by Rohingya militants sparked the army operation. Killings, arson and rape carried out by troops and ethnic Rakhine Buddhist mobs since then amount to ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya, the United Nations says. Three landmine blasts caused extensive damage to three military trucks in Rakhine's central Minbya township on Wednesday morning, the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said. The landmines were "apparently targeting" army convoys, it added. Later that day, another landmine exploded near the village of Vethali in central Rakhine as seven military trucks passed, injuring one pedestrian but causing no damage to the vehicles, the paper said. It was not clear who was responsible for the attacks. Several landmine explosions were reported near the area this year. United Nations staff and aid workers have said they fear violence in northern Rakhine could spread to new areas as Buddhist villagers in more peaceful areas enforce a system of local apartheid that punishes people trading with minority Muslims. Many in Buddhist-majority Myanmar see Rohingya Muslims as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, although many of the Rohingya can trace family for generations. After the August attacks on police posts by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), which the government has declared a terrorist organisation, security forces unleashed a brutal counteroffensive in Muslim-majority northern Rakhine. Even though Myanmar says military operations ceased on Sept. 5, hundreds of refugees have continued to cross the Naf river separating Rakhine and Bangladesh in recent weeks. Separately, Myanmar security forces have arrested 19 men suspected of involvement in the August attacks and charged them under the anti-terrorism law, the newspaper said on Friday.

Myanmar military trucks hit landmines in troubled Rakhine, one injured

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