HALO Trust Completes Landmine Clearance Operations in Kosovo

After a 27-year effort that began in 1999, The HALO Trust has completed its humanitarian mine clearance operations in Kosovo. The initiative was launched to remove landmines and unexploded ordnance left behind by a conflict that displaced more than 800,000 people. Over nearly three decades, the organization cleared 2,343 hectares of land—a footprint larger than 2,800 football fields—to make the region safe for returning families. In September 2026, responsibility for any remaining hazards passed to Kosovo’s national mine action authorities, marking a major milestone in the recovery of the region.

When the clearance work began, returning refugees faced a landscape filled with hidden dangers. These explosive remnants of war were a constant threat, making it nearly impossible for people to rebuild their lives in peace. HALO’s teams spent years working alongside thousands of local Kosovars, whose involvement was essential to the mission's success. Together, they have transformed Kosovo from a hazardous, war-torn territory into a place where people can live and work without fear.

The benefits of this work reach far beyond the removal of physical hazards. Since the landmines were cleared, Kosovo’s economy has grown to a value of more than $14 billion. Quality of life has also seen a dramatic shift; life expectancy has risen from 58 years during the conflict to nearly 78 years today. As communities rebuilt their homes, businesses, and infrastructure, a sense of stability returned. Farmers are now able to work their fields without the threat of explosives, which has strengthened both food production and the local economy.

Removing these hazards has also cleared the way for significant development and investment. Pristina Airport, now serving almost five million passengers every year, was redeveloped only after nearby minefields were cleared. Similarly, the construction of the E851 motorway required the removal of hundreds of cluster bombs to connect the region and facilitate trade. Kosovo’s tourism industry is also growing, drawing around 150,000 visitors annually to locations like the mountain trails around Peja, which are now safe for hikers to explore.

The legacy of the work done by HALO will continue to support Kosovo for generations to come. The safe ground established over the last quarter-century provides a necessary foundation for the country's ongoing growth. While HALO concludes its formal program, the commitment of local communities and authorities remains vital to ensuring these areas stay safe. This achievement stands as a testament to the resilience of the people of Kosovo as they move toward a secure and prosperous future.