Hegseth reverses land mine policy to allow use of controversial weapon

The new policy would reverse geographical restrictions on a weapon often used indiscriminately in conflict.

, and Administrator

2025 December 20 . 2:15 PM

1 min read

In the image there is a book with army tank and jeeps on it, it seems like a war along with a text... — In the image there is a book with army tank and jeeps on it, it seems like a war along with a text above it.

Hegseth reverses land mine policy to allow use of controversial weapon

The United States is set to revise its land mine policy, easing restrictions on their use worldwide. A new memo from Secretary of Defense Hegseth orders a review, with plans to lift geographic limits and grant combatant commanders broader authority.

Under the current rules, the U.S. banned land mines outside the Korean Peninsula and committed to destroying stockpiles not needed for South Korea’s defence. The proposed changes would remove these geographic constraints, allowing deployment globally. Commanders would also gain direct authority to use them in conflict zones.

The interim policy permits only 'remotely delivered' antipersonnel mines with self-destruct and deactivation features. Stockpiles would no longer be routinely destroyed unless deemed 'inoperable or unsafe'. The memo also scraps the U.S. Humanitarian Mine Action Program, arguing the new approach will improve unexploded ordnance clearance efforts. Over 160 nations have signed the 1997 treaty banning antipersonnel mines, but the U.S. has never joined. This year, countries like Ukraine have either withdrawn or signalled plans to leave the agreement. The Pentagon’s review, led by the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, must deliver recommendations within 90 days.

The policy shift would mark a significant departure from past restrictions, expanding where and how land mines can be used. Civilian protection measures would be assessed individually, rather than through blanket geographic bans. The final decision rests on the upcoming review’s findings.