Afghanistan: Increase in Landmine Use

Afghanistan is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. Landmines pose an ever-present danger to civilians now attempting to flee the country or areas of conflict. If United States forces engage in ground combat in Afghanistan, they will face a serious threat from antipersonnel and antitank landmines laid over the course of the past twenty-plus years. The use of mines in Afghanistan and surrounding countries has increased in the past year, with the United Front (formerly the Northern Alliance) continuing to use mines inside Afghanistan, and the forces of Russia (in Tajikistan), Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan laying mines on borders.