Global Landmine Casualties Continue To Increase

Reuters: Global landmine casualties increase, Afghanistan largely to blame: study

LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Long-term progress in reducing the number of landmine casualties was reversed last year, and rebel groups used the mines in 10 countries, the largest number since 2006, researchers said on Thursday.

Non-state groups were still using the deadly devices in the 12 months to October 2015 in Colombia, Libya, Myanmar, Pakistan, Syria and Yemen, and in Afghanistan, where there was a sharp increase in casualties from improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Landmines were also used by rebels in three countries - Iraq, Tunisia and Ukraine - where they were not used last year, and by three states: Myanmar, Syria and North Korea.

"While the world has made great progress, the past year has seen disturbing steps backward in terms of new use of and casualties from landmines," said Jeff Abramson, editor of the study, which was carried out by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, a lobby group.

WNU editor: The International Campaign to Ban Landmines' website is here.