What Happened in Farah Province: Two Lives Lost to Unexploded Ordnance?
Synopsis
In a devastating incident in Farah province, Afghanistan, an unexploded shell exploded inside a home, claiming two lives. The report underscores the ongoing dangers posed by remnants of conflict in the region, especially to children. Officials urge heightened awareness and prompt reporting of suspicious items to protect civilians.
Key Takeaways
Two fatalities occurred due to an unexploded shell in Afghanistan.
Unexploded ordnance continues to pose risks in rural areas.
Authorities emphasize the need for public awareness and reporting.
Children are disproportionately affected, making up 67.5% of victims.
Efforts are ongoing to clear contaminated land and educate communities.
Kabul, Feb 17 (NationPress) Tragedy struck in western Afghanistan's Farah province as two individuals lost their lives when an unexploded shell detonated within a residential home, as reported by the provincial police office on Tuesday.
This unfortunate event transpired in the Pusht-e-Koh district, where the unexploded ordinance reportedly ignited after being disturbed. Both of the deceased succumbed to their injuries at the scene, according to the statement shared by Xinhua News Agency.
Authorities have urged the community to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution upon encountering unexploded ordnance or any suspicious materials, emphasizing the need to report such findings to security forces immediately.
The remnants of previous conflicts continue to pose a significant risk to civilians throughout Afghanistan, especially in rural and isolated regions where these dangerous devices may lie undetected for extended periods.
Earlier, on February 7, a child was killed and another was injured when an unexploded ordinance from earlier conflicts detonated in the Badghis province, as detailed in a statement from the provincial police office.
The tragic accident occurred while the children were playing in the Sang-e-Atash area, resulting in one child's immediate death and another sustaining injuries, according to the report.
On February 4, the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) disclosed that at least 87 individuals were killed, with 333 others injured in 193 separate incidents involving unexploded ordnance over the previous year, as reported by local media.
ANDMA's Information Department Head, Hafiz Mohammad Yousof Hamad, stated that the Mine Clearance Coordination Department and demining organizations managed to clear 58 kilometers of land from unexploded ordnance in 2025, successfully locating and neutralizing 24,720 mines, as noted by Pajhwok Afghan News.
Hamad pointed out that a staggering 67.5 percent of the victims were children, highlighting the devastating impact of unexploded ordnance on the most vulnerable segments of the Afghan population. He further mentioned that 155 demining teams are currently active in Afghanistan, having provided awareness training to over 2.1 million individuals in the past year.
Despite these ongoing efforts, approximately 105,000 square kilometers of land in Afghanistan remains contaminated with unexploded ordnance.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the persistent threat that unexploded ordnance poses to civilians in Afghanistan. This tragic event in Farah province serves as a stark reminder of the lasting impacts of conflict, especially on vulnerable populations like children. Our commitment remains steadfast in reporting these critical issues to raise awareness and advocate for safety measures.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the explosion in Farah province?
The explosion was caused by an unexploded shell that detonated inside a residential home in the Pusht-e-Koh district.
How many people have been affected by unexploded ordnance in Afghanistan?
According to the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority, at least 87 people were killed and 333 injured in 193 incidents involving unexploded ordnance over the past year.
What measures are being taken to clear unexploded ordnance?
Demining organizations have cleared 58 kilometers of land and neutralized 24,720 mines in Afghanistan, with ongoing efforts to educate the public about safety.
What should residents do if they find unexploded ordnance?
Residents are advised to exercise caution and report any suspicious objects to security authorities immediately.
What is the impact of unexploded ordnance on children in Afghanistan?
A staggering 67.5 percent of victims of unexploded ordnance incidents in Afghanistan are children, highlighting the severe risks they face.
