The U.S. Department of Defense, led by Secretary Pete Hegseth, has announced a significant policy reversal, allowing the use of antipersonnel land mines beyond the Korean Peninsula. The memo outlines plans to remove geographic restrictions and grants combat commanders authority to deploy these weapons, presenting them as a “force multiplier” amid escalating global security challenges.
This controversial shift has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates who argue that land mines disproportionately harm civilians and can remain deadly long after conflicts end. In 2024 alone, nearly 2,000 individuals fell victim to land mines and unexploded ordnance globally. As the U.S. re-evaluates its stance, concerns mount over the implications for arms control and the potential encouragement of similar policies by other nations.
Read full story at nationalpost.com
