How do landmines work?
Landmines are explosive devices designed to be triggered by the presence, proximity, or contact of an individual or vehicle. They are typically buried beneath the ground or hidden in vegetation, making them difficult to detect. When triggered, landmines explode, causing significant damage and often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. However, due to their indiscriminate nature and long-lasting danger, the use of landmines is widely condemned and prohibited under international humanitarian law.
Landmines work by utilizing pressure or tripwire mechanisms to initiate an explosion. These mechanisms are triggered when someone steps on or interacts with the mine, causing it to detonate. The explosion releases shrapnel and explosive forces, inflicting devastating injuries on victims in the vicinity. Some landmines are even designed to be remotely triggered, allowing the attacker to control the detonation from a safe distance.