Myanmar Leads World in Landmine Victims in 2023

Myanmar recorded the highest number of landmine victims in 2023, with over 1,000 people killed or injured, VOA reported today citing the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL).

The ongoing conflict between the military and various ethnic rebel groups has left the country heavily contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance. Following the military coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government in 2021, violence has escalated, leading to the emergence of multiple “People’s Defense Forces” opposing the military regime.

The ICBL’s latest report indicates that Myanmar had 1,003 casualties from anti-personnel mines and explosive remnants of war, surpassing Syria (933 casualties), Afghanistan (651), and Ukraine (580). Notably, Myanmar is not a signatory to the UN convention banning anti-personnel mines, and there has been a significant increase in the military’s use of these weapons, particularly around critical infrastructure.