UK Declares Falkland Islands ‘Landmine Free’ 38 Years After War

UK Declares Falkland Islands ‘Landmine Free’ 38 Years After War
A Joint Service Explosive Ordnance Disposal robot “Red Fire” is prepared to recover a mine in Stanley, Falkland Islands, on Feb. 9, 2007. Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images
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The Falkland Islands have been finally cleared of all landmines, the British government said on Tuesday, 38 years after they were laid by Argentine forces during the Falklands War.

A UK-funded programme started in 2009 has “completed its dangerous mission to de-mine the islands in the South Atlantic three years ahead of schedule,” the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) said in a statement.