The recent report on the dangerous reality of landmines in Burma paints a grim picture of life amid ongoing conflict. The case of American journalist Collin Mayfield, who lost two toes to a landmine while on assignment, underscores just how perilous the situation has become. Mayfield had been reporting alongside the People’s Defense Force when the incident occurred near a police checkpoint. This tragic event is not isolated but rather a reflection of the everyday threats faced by both journalists and civilians in a country riddled with explosive hazards.
Jon Moss, a volunteer with Free Burma Rangers, sheds light on the alarming rise in landmine casualties since the 2021 military coup. Approximately 300 civilians have been killed or injured within just the first half of 2025, a stark reminder of the pressing dangers that lurk in what are supposed to be safe spaces. Moss states, “For civilians in Burma, landmines are a daily threat,” illustrating the pervasive fear that permeates daily life for families.
The issue of landmines in Burma is not merely a relic of past wars but a current crisis that expands with ongoing fighting. The Myanmar Information Management Unit reported that landmine contamination has surged, affecting 211 townships since 2020, a considerable increase from previous years. This escalation means that the threat is continuously evolving rather than being addressed. Moss emphasizes, “This is not an old problem. It’s an active and expanding crisis in the world’s longest-running civil war.”
Children, often the most innocent victims, are increasingly affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance. Moss recounts his encounters with youths who have suffered severe injuries while just trying to help their families. The story of a 16-year-old Buddhist monk, who can no longer walk to school after being injured on his way to the pagoda, is particularly heart-wrenching. “Now he can’t walk to school,” Moss shared, highlighting how life-altering such incidents can be for the victims and their families.
The lack of international demining organizations operating in Burma exacerbates the problem. The responsibility to clear these deadly remnants of war falls to local volunteers, often using rudimentary tools without training or protective gear. Moss describes this as a “slow, reckless, and deadly” process, illustrating the desperation of a population forced to resort to dangerous measures for their safety and livelihood. “Desperation has turned farmers into deminers,” he notes, stressing the high stakes involved in their efforts.
Moss is actively participating in a small initiative aimed at training local teams in demining. While he recognizes this as a step forward, he warns that resources are limited, stating, “Our funding only allows us to begin. It doesn’t come close to meeting the scale of the crisis.” The risks remain immense, as continued support from both the U.S. and private donors is crucial to address the ongoing threat.
His military background informs his perspective on the situation, grounding his assessments in both experience and sobering reality. Moss articulates a harsh truth: “The problem isn’t going to fix itself.” Without intervention, incidents like Mayfield’s injury will sadly continue. The stakes are not only about recovering lost limbs but about preserving the futures of countless individuals and families in a land still grappling with the consequences of war. Moss’ insights evoke a resonant call for action—a need to prioritize support for those who stand ready to confront this silent killer in Burma’s fields and pathways.
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