Colombia’s armed forces have seized 273 anti-personnel mines belonging to a FARC group operating in the southern department of Putumayo, RCN Radio reports.
According to the army, the total number of explosive devices located and destroyed in 2011 now stands at 1,504.
Though the number of landmine victims has been declining in recent years, the number is still high with the most recent statistics showing 674 casualties in 2009. Of these, 34% were civilians.
As of March 1, 2011, Colombia has a 10 year deadline to clear all remaining landmines under the Mine Ban Treaty. However, this time span has been criticized by NGOs who say that a more concerted effort should be made to ensure all mines are cleared within a period of three years.
