Bu Ri lost his leg to a land mine in Myanmar decades ago. More recently, six of his family members have faced similar fates or worse. This highlights the devastation caused by the ongoing civil war in the region.
John New Min, with fellow rebel soldiers, spent hours removing land mines set by Myanmar’s military. They used basic farm tools and bare hands to clear these explosives placed near homes and farms.
Taking a rest, Mr. Min was walking toward a tree when he triggered a mine. The explosion in 2023 flung him into the air, costing him his right leg and sight. He became the seventh member of his family harmed or killed by a mine. This includes his grandfather, Bu Ri, and other relatives who suffered similar injuries.
“It is painful to see suffering spanning generations due to these mines,” said Bu Ri, aged 88, who lost his left leg to a mine 32 years ago. The risk from explosives, planted by both military and rebels, has intensified in recent years. This is a result of a civil war affecting Myanmar, with thousands falling victim to mines. A report noted that Myanmar had the highest number of mine casualties worldwide in 2024. Many victims are children.
The military coup in 2021 led to chaos, overthrowing a democratic government. The junta’s return resulted in growing armed resistance. Unable to overcome rebel groups, military forces targeted civilians, using airstrikes and mines in civilian areas.
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