Danish Refugee Council removes explosive ordnance from key humanitarian infrastructure supporting forced returnees in Afghanistan

KABUL, 7 April 2026: The Danish Refugee Council has removed ten pieces of explosive ordnance from critical humanitarian infrastructure supporting forced returnees from Pakistan. This explosive ordnance was found following heavy fighting in March at the Torkham border area following the latest round of Pakistan–Afghanistan hostilities.

Danish Refugee Council humanitarian mine action teams were called to the area following reports of an explosive ordnance accident involving three children. The incident was initially reported through the Mine Action Programme of Afghanistan community hotline. The children, aged eight, ten and twelve, were collecting scrap metal and firewood to support their families. All three were injured and taken to hospital for treatment. The explosion occurred when one child attempted to extract metal from an item of explosive ordnance, highlighting the severe risks to civilians unaware of the dangers.

Danish Refugee Council quick response teams, whose role is to respond to hotline incidents, have removed multiple explosive remnants including projectile missiles, mortars and grenades from humanitarian facilities, including the Torkham reception centre and transit centre. Torkham reception centre is among the civilian and humanitarian infrastructure directly hit during the escalation of hostilities since February. DRC teams remain in the area with operations ongoing.

Dania Al Sharif, DRC’s Country Director in Afghanistan, said: “This latest tragic accident highlights the ongoing threat to civilians caught in the crossfire of conflict, risks that last long after the fighting stops.  

Afghanistan is already one of the most contaminated countries in the world, facing overlapping crises: decades of war, droughts, earthquakes, entrenched poverty, the forced return of millions of Afghans from bordering countries, and now renewed fighting.

The people of Afghanistan do not need more war; they need protection and support to recover. The international community must act to end these hostilities, ensure civilians and civilian infrastructures are protected, guarantee safe humanitarian access, and prevent further suffering.”

The crossing point was officially closed to forced returnees from Pakistan to Afghanistan in March due to active fighting and direct hits on the centre. On 31 March Torkham reopened for the crossing of returnees from Pakistan, despite the risks posed by active fighting in the area.

After a three-day pause in hostilities for celebration of Eid al-Fitr active fighting resumed on 29 March in eastern Afghanistan. Afghanistan is one of the most heavily contaminated countries in the world, with explosive ordnance causing 487 casualties last year.

The renewed fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan means increased explosive hazards along the border and in surrounding provinces. Beyond immediate casualties, unexploded ordnance will continue to pose life-threatening risks long after the fighting ceases.

DRC is working to remove explosive ordnance from key humanitarian infrastructure in the Torkham area and to provide victim assistance to civilians affected by the fighting. Following the incident DRC has provided explosive ordnance risk education to 950 individuals, including children. Explosive ordnance risk education is a critical, lifesaving intervention for the protection of civilians in Afghanistan.

With 5.6 million returnees since 2023, reception centres like Torkham remain a vital lifeline for people forced to return. Civilians and humanitarian infrastructure must never be targeted, and urgent action is needed to protect lives and uphold international humanitarian law.

The European Union financially supports DRC mine action quick response teams, the clearance of abandoned improvised mines, explosive ordnance risk education, victim assistance and advocacy.