Almost three decades after the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, mines and explosive devices are still a mortal threat to the population, and it is estimated that almost 900 square kilometres of land are still infested with mines.

According to the Mine Action Centre (BHMAC) and the Civil Protection Administration of the Federation entity, in the immediate post-war period there were more than 4,200 kilometres of mine infested areas, which is as much as 8.9 percent of the country's territory.

Most of that area has been cleared of mines, however, around 870 square kilometres or 1.7% of the country's territory is still considered unsafe.

BHMAC released this data on Tuesday on the occasion of International Mine Action Day, which is marked on 4 April.

About two-thirds of the identified minefields in BiH are located in the territory of the Federation entity.

In March, mine clearance began along the border between BiH and Croatia in the vicinity of Bihac, and the area is expected to be demined in the second half of 2024.

Since 1995, 622 people have been killed by mines in BiH, of which 53 were deminers engaged in mine clearance.

BHMAC director Sasa Obradovic told local media that the entire country should be cleared of mines by the end of 2027.

The deadline is set in the national mine clearance strategy, but ultimately everything depends on whether there will be enough money for its implementation, which has so far mostly been provided by foreign donors.