Myanmar Records Highest Landmine Casualties in 2023 with Over 1,000 Victims

In 2023, Myanmar had the highest number of landmine-related casualties globally, with over 1,000 people killed or injured, according to the latest report by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). The surge in casualties reflects the intensifying conflict between the military junta and various rebel groups, including newly formed “People’s Defence Forces.”

The ICBL report highlighted that anti-personnel mines and unexploded ordnance claimed 1,003 victims in Myanmar, surpassing Syria (933), Afghanistan (651), and Ukraine (580). The conflict has made Myanmar one of the most dangerous countries for landmine risks.

Widespread Use of Landmines

Myanmar, which has not signed the UN convention banning anti-personnel mines, has seen increased use of these weapons in recent years. The military has been accused of deploying mines around key infrastructure, such as mobile towers and pipelines, which are frequent targets of rebel attacks. Rebel groups have admitted to laying mines in areas under their control, further endangering civilians.

The ICBL documented evidence of Myanmar’s military forcing civilians to walk ahead of troops to clear minefields, a tactic condemned as a war crime. Photographs revealed anti-personnel mines produced in Myanmar being captured by opposition forces nearly every month from January 2022 to September 2024.

Civilian Impact and Global Trends

Civilians accounted for 84% of the 5,757 global casualties of landmines and unexploded ordnance in 2023. Of these, 1,983 were killed, and 3,663 injured. Myanmar’s crisis has displaced over three million people since the military coup in 2021, according to the UN.

The ICBL noted an increase in the overall global casualty count compared to 2022, with Myanmar leading the grim statistics due to its escalating internal conflict and indiscriminate use of landmines by all parties.