Myanmar has overtaken Syria as the country with the highest number of people killed or injured by landmines and explosive remnants of war, according to the Landmine Monitor 2024 report by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines.  

The report highlights a sharp rise in landmine casualties in Myanmar. It was fueled by widespread conflict following the military coup of February 2021. Last year alone, 1,003 casualties were reported, though experts believe the actual figure could be double or even triple that due to inadequate surveillance.  

The surge in landmine use comes as Myanmar's military junta battles both ethnic armed groups seeking autonomy and newly formed people’s defense forces fighting to restore democracy. Landmines have been deployed extensively across the country, sparing only the heavily fortified capital, Naypyidaw.  

Both the military junta and opposition groups have been accused of using landmines with devastating effects on civilians. The military has reportedly placed mines in civilian areas and used civilians as human shields in mine-affected zones. In some cases, they have demanded payment from farmers whose livestock triggered landmines. Opposition forces have also allegedly planted explosives in urban areas, targeting civilians working in junta-controlled agencies.  

Dr. Yeshua Moser-Puangsuwan, a researcher for the report, noted that disguised explosive devices in military-controlled areas are often mistaken for garbage leading to civilian casualties among trash collectors and scavengers.  

Globally, civilians accounted for 84% of all recorded landmine casualties in 2023, with children making up 37%. After Myanmar, Syria recorded the second-highest casualties (933), followed by Afghanistan and Ukraine, each with over 500.
 

BOB Post