Dealing with a Deadly Legacy

Aussie Soldiers Clearing Land Mines in Afghanistan

by Marcus Fielding

In what is probably the most extraordinary and hazardous circumstances ever faced by Australian soldiers, ninety-two combat engineers helped to clear minefields in the midst of an ongoing civil war.

Unarmed, dressed in mufti, disguised with beards and working through interpreters they helped to forge local expertise.

Adding to the risks they had only a medic on hand in the event of becoming the victim of a mine blast; and the nearest hospital was over a full day’s drive away.

How none of them were killed or injured is remarkable.

These Australian Army soldiers were working as part of a United Nations humanitarian mine clearance program in Pakistan and Afghanistan between 1989 and 1993.

They blazed a path for future humanitarian land mine clearance efforts around the world.

This book gives a revealing account of this little-known mission told by those that participated in it.

Read a sample of the book.

Afghanistan is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. The Mine Action Programme of Afghanistan (MAPA) explain what's being done to rid the country of this terrible legacy.

A Day in the Life of Afghan Deminers

Jeremy Renner in Afghanistan with the United Nations (UNMAS).

In Afghanistan, approximately 185 million square meters of land have been contaminated by mines and explosive remnants of war. Each year, they maim and claim the lives of thousands of people in the country. Watch a day in the life of Afghan deminers who safeguard people from accidents, while risking their own lives.

SMH Article, 'Why are there unexploded bombs in the Pacific islands?'

Available in Paperback (ISBN: 9780648554097) through the following booksellers: