The majority of people killed by these weapons are civilians.
President Biden’s administration has decided to significantly reduce its use of landmines. Their action follows a comprehensive review in which it was found that the weapon most frequently killed civilians.
The administration revealed on Tuesday that the use of these weapons will be prohibited outside of the Korean Peninsula. Excluding the region, National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson stated that the U.S. will look to meet key provisions of the Ottawa Convention, the 1999 international treaty prohibiting the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines.
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Political and Military Affairs, Stan Brown, stated that there are an estimated 3 million landmines in U.S. stockpiles, though he noted the weapon has not been used by Washington extensively since the 1991 Gulf War.
The White House stated that the United States will undertake efforts to pursue materiel and operational solutions to assist in becoming compliant with and ultimately acceding to the Ottawa Convention while ensuring the ability to respond to contingencies and meet commitments to U.S. allies.
Roughly 700 people are killed annually from landmines, the majority of which are civilians.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the president to seek God’s wisdom as commander in chief.
- For discernment for military personnel as the use of landmines is reduced.
- For U.S. military officials and advisors as they assess military equipment needs.
Sources: Washington Examiner, The White House, Washington Post
