Nestled in Afghanistan's Ghor province, Dahane-Bibian was once a peaceful village where families thrived, and green fields stretched across the land. But when conflict erupted in 2017, its serenity was shattered. Caught between the Taliban and former Afghan forces, the village became a battleground—and the consequences have lingered long after the fighting ceased.
A view of Dahane-Bibian village.
A house in Dahane-Bibian contaminated with IEDs, October 2024.
The scars of conflict run deep in Dahane-Bibian, where improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were deliberately planted among homes, paths, and agricultural fields to thwart advancing forces. The villagers fled for their lives, leaving behind not just their homes but their dreams of safety and prosperity.
HALO's excavator pictured with an IED found among homes in Dahan-e-Bibian, October 2024.
When families began returning in 2021, they were met with devastation. “Seven people were killed, and three others were wounded by IEDs in our village after 2021,” shared Abdul Basir, a resident who, like many, was forced to seek shelter in a neighbor’s home. Each step on familiar ground carried the weight of fear, knowing that hidden explosives could claim lives at any moment.
“The clearance operation has positively impacted our lives. We feel mentally at ease, and we can now safely use our land for both residential and agricultural purposes.”
But hope arrived in the form of HALO’s manual and mechanical clearance teams. With unmatched expertise, they began the painstaking process of identifying and removing the dangerous remnants of war. Over months of dedicated work, HALO teams cleared nearly 14 acres of land, safely disposing of 22 IEDs that lay hidden in homes and fields.
The transformation has been profound. The people of Dahane-Bibian are rebuilding their lives with renewed optimism. Homes are being repaired, fields are being cultivated, and families are reclaiming the rhythm of daily life.
Yet, the villagers remain steadfast in their call for continued clearance, ensuring no threat remains to overshadow their recovery. This is the impact supporters like you make possible: restoring safety and helping communities reclaim their futures. Together, we are turning the tide for places like Dahane-Bibian, one cleared IED at a time.
