BAKU, Azerbaijan — The Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) is set to increase its fleet of mine detection dogs (MDDs) to accelerate demining efforts in the country’s liberated territories. This initiative comes as part of a broader strategy to ensure the safe resettlement of displaced persons back to these areas.

According to Trend News Agency, the agency recently acquired six Malinois dogs under a memorandum of understanding with the US Marshall Legacy Institute (MLI). These new additions will support the expansion of demining operations, which are critical for the rehabilitation and restoration of territories previously affected by conflict.

The mine-detection dogs are considered highly effective in humanitarian demining efforts, being utilized in both technical surveys and active demining operations. The dogs will undergo adaptation training with their handlers and must be accredited in accordance with the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) before deployment.

The ongoing delivery of sapper dogs by Azerbaijan’s Silk Way West Airlines, which is provided free of charge, exemplifies the national commitment to clearing mines and ensuring the safety of returning residents to these areas.