MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Soldier wounded in mine clearance operation

A Chilean soldier was injured when a landmine exploded during a clearing operation in the Chungara base on the border with Bolivia, reported Santiago's La Tercera.

Corporal Adams Lagos Becerra in spite of wearing special protection gear lost a finger and suffered fractures in his right foot, said Colonel Jorge Guzman head of the mine clearing operation.

Mine clearance in the snow covered area has been suspended 48 hours pending an investigation into the incident.

According to official Chilean figures an estimated 100,000 anti personnel mines remain in the border area with Bolivia dating back to the mid seventies.

The Chilean army estimates all landmines will be destroyed by 2011.