UN reports at least 25 killed by landmines in Sudan in January-March, 2.8 million sq km cleared
The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has reported that at least 25 people were killed 52 others injured by landmines and unexploded ordnance in Sudan since from January to March 2026, warning that the actual toll is likely significantly higher.
The casualties were revealed in the UNMAS Q1 2026 factsheet on Sudan, available to read here. They reported that millions of people returning to their places of origin is exposing them to dangerous explosive hazards, adding that new minefields have been identified in central Khartoum, including at a bridge rehabilitation site across the Nile linking Omdurman and Bahri. At least 35 children are known to be among those killed and injured.
UNMAS reported that it has cleared 18,768 explosive items and restored 2.8 million square metres (2.8 square kilometres) of land for safe use since fighting began in April 2023, during which the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces have planted hundreds of anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines across conflict zones.
Teams removed more than 800 explosive hazards from Khartoum International Airport, allowing the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service to resume flights on 26 February following a three-year hiatus. Specialised teams have also cleared over 1 million square metres of vital facilities, including residential homes, schools, hospitals and farms.
To support these ongoing safety efforts, the European Union provided $1.7 million in funding to UNMAS on 27 April. The grant aims to improve safety for 700,000 civilians directly affected by the conflict, with an estimated 1 million additional individuals expected to benefit indirectly.
