Director’s Message

Demining operations commenced with one demining team in Kunar province, this lasted for three months until it had to be closed down.

The reason for demining operations to cease was directly related to a mine incident which occurred in Urgoon district of Paktika province. Mr. A. Qahar, a deminer from Badakhshan province lost both his eyes due to a mine detonation. Today, I am pleased that ATC has overcome those initial setbacks and was able to implement and successfully complete a huge number of demining projects over the last 19 years. As of now, the majority of the high priority areas have been cleared of mines and UXO’s. Unlike the beginning of ATC demining work, where it was difficult to employ Afghan deminers, we are now experiencing a change in Afghan employment in demining. The majority of Afghans now see and understand the challenges of becoming a deminer and many want to become a deminer due to their national pride, sense of duty, increased education opportunities, specialist training and employment. 

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