Baku, August 03, 2024 , The Europe Today: The British Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Fergus Auld, has extended his deep condolences and pledged ongoing support in addressing the mine threat, following a mine explosion that injured four people in the village of Qizilhajili, Gazakh district, NHC reports.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the injuries sustained by the employees of the State Border Service and ANAMA as a result of the mine explosion in Qizilhajili village. I wish them a speedy recovery,” Ambassador Auld stated in a post on X. “We will continue working with our Azerbaijani partners to combat the mine threat.”
The incident occurred today in Qizilhajili, a village recently returned to Azerbaijan as part of the delimitation agreement reached between Azerbaijan and Armenia on April 19, 2024. The mines, planted by the Armenian side, exploded, injuring four individuals.
The victims included employees from the State Border Service and the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), who were working in the area to clear the hazardous remnants of conflict.
Ambassador Auld’s statement highlights the ongoing collaboration between the United Kingdom and Azerbaijan in mine clearance efforts, aimed at ensuring the safety and security of residents in the affected regions.
The British Embassy has been actively supporting demining initiatives in Azerbaijan, providing technical assistance and resources to aid in the removal of landmines and unexploded ordnance that pose a significant risk to civilians.
The Azerbaijani government has repeatedly called for international support to address the mine contamination left in territories affected by the conflict. This incident underscores the persistent dangers faced by demining teams and the importance of continued international cooperation in mitigating these threats.
The injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment, and authorities have intensified their efforts to clear the remaining mines in the area to prevent further casualties.
