Around 16 square kilometres around the town are still suspected of containing mines, of the total of 44 suspect square kilometres in the entire county, a press conference was told.

According to data by the HCR, some 74,000 mines and other explosives still remain in Croatia after the nineties war.

There are still some 680 square kilometres suspected to be infested with mines in 12 counties or 95 towns and municipalities. All suspect areas are clearly identified and marked.

Since 1991, 1,975 people fell victim to leftover mines. Of these, 509 were killed. Fortunately, the number of victims is lower each year, HCR Deputy CEO Mirko Ivanusic said.

Drnis Mayor Josip Begonja said that the town was still to be considered as dangerous for its citizens but also represented a barrier to economic development in that region.

Sibenik-Knin Deputy County Prefect Zoran Smolic said that the priority was to clear mines in areas frequented by tourists along roads and the area surrounding the Krka National Park.

HCR explained that it had a special education programme that is conducted in schools to warn children of the danger of land mines.

International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is an opportunity to reaffirm commitment to a world free from the threat of mines and other remnants of war and show solidarity for victims of land mines.