The Croatian government is working to eliminate all antipersonnel mines remaining from the country's war of independence [1].
This effort is critical for the nation's transition from a conflict zone to a safe destination. Removing these explosives allows the government to close a painful historical chapter and develop the tourism industry by ensuring visitors can travel safely [1].
The conflict that necessitated these operations ended more than 30 years ago [1]. Despite the passage of time, the remnants of the 1991-1995 war continue to pose a threat to the landscape [1], [2]. The process of returning to full safety has been slow; it took 20 years and more than a dozen operations before some areas could begin the clearing process again [2].
Currently, the government's objective is to achieve a 100% clearance goal [1]. This mission relies on a small number of remaining specialists who perform the dangerous work of manual detection and removal. Among these deminers is 38-year-old Čičak [1], who represents the final generation of specialists tasked with scrubbing the land of wartime explosives [1].
The operation involves meticulous searching of terrain that may have been untouched for decades. Because antipersonnel mines are designed to be hidden, the work remains slow and high-risk. The government continues to prioritize these zones to prevent further casualties, and to unlock the economic potential of previously contaminated land [1], [2].
“The government's objective is to eliminate all antipersonnel mines.”
The persistence of landmines decades after a conflict highlights the long-term humanitarian and economic burden of warfare. By targeting total clearance, Croatia is attempting to remove the final physical barriers to full territorial sovereignty and economic integration, as landmines act as a deterrent to foreign investment and infrastructure development in rural areas.
