In Afghanistan, Dahane-Bibian was once a peaceful and picturesque village, filled with green spaces and a calm, quiet atmosphere. However, in 2017, everything changed when violence broke out between opposing local forces, transforming the village into a battleground. As the fighting intensified over the years, villagers were forced to flee their homes, seeking safety from the conflict.
Opposing forces launched multiple attacks on Dahane-Bibian in an effort to push out their rivals. Eventually, they succeeded, driving the former military forces from the area. To secure their control, they planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) all throughout the community, including inside people's homes.
When the fighting finally ended in 2021, the people of Dahane-Bibian returned to their village, only to discover that their homes and land were heavily contaminated with IEDs. Abdul, a local resident, shared with HALO the heartbreaking toll.
"Seven people have been killed and three wounded since returning home."
He himself had to seek refuge with a neighbor, unable to return to his own home due to the dangers of the IEDs.
In 2024, HALO stepped in to help. Thanks to generous supporters, HALO deminers began the essential task of clearing the land and making it safe again. Using both manual and mechanical clearance, teams are working tirelessly. So far, they have made 13.8 acres of land safe and have cleared 22 IEDs, directly helping 740 people in the community.
A house in Dahane-Bibian contaminated with IEDs, October 2024
As the land is cleared, the people of Dahane-Bibian have shared their renewed sense of hope and safety. With their village on the path to recovery, they look forward to rebuilding their homes and once again planting crops on the land that was once their livelihood. The future of Dahane-Bibian is now brighter, and its people are ready to move forward, with hope in their hearts.
