January 1, 2003

In 2002, there were 145 land mine explosions, causing 42 deaths and 124 wounded. This is down from 339 land mine detonations and 660 victims. No one knows how many mines were planted over the last few decades. Most of the mines were used to terrorize civilians or make roads and trails impassable. Unlike Europe and South Korea, which rapidly demined after their wars, Angola is a more chaotic place which is slowing demining operations.