MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Over 15.600 mines in 83 fields remain in the Falkland Islands, says UK Defence

A team of African experts clear minefields close to Stanley in 2010

Some 83 minefields and suspected hazardous areas remain in the Falkland Islands with over 15.600 mines remaining, which were laid by the Argentine forces during their 74 day occupation of the South Atlantic Islands in 1982.

“Over 15.600, (12.300 antipersonnel and 3.300 anti-vehicle) Argentine laid mines are estimated to remain” in the Falklands revealed Lord Astor of Hever, UK Parliamentary Secretary of State, Defence, during a written answers and statements, 28 February 2011.

Liberal Democrat Lord Chidgey asked Her Majesty’s Government “how many minefields remain in the Falkland Islands from the conflict with Argentina in 1982; how many mines are estimated to remain that were placed by British force; and how many that were place by Argentine forces?”

Over 18,000 (14,000 anti-personnel and 4,000 anti-vehicle) mines are estimated to have been laid by the Argentine armed forces in some 113 minefields and four other suspected areas during the conflict, said Lord Astor in his written reply.

Over 1,000 Argentine anti-personnel, 80 anti-vehicle mines and 1,000 booby traps were cleared in 30 minefields in the immediate aftermath.

“All UK-emplaced mines in five anti-personnel minefields around the then RAF Stanley were lifted immediately after the cessation of hostilities. One Elsie C3 anti-personnel mine is unaccounted for”.

Finally “the 2009-10 pilot project cleared a further four minefields of 1,246 (678 anti-personnel and 568 anti-vehicle) mines”, concludes the reply.