A UNICEF report titled "Mine Victims in Burundi" claims that 230 people suffered from landmine blasts in 2001 and 2002 (44 of whom died; others were crippled). Anti-personnel mines accounted for the greatest number of victims (116 in 2001 and 87 the next year). Government forces have planted mines to protect their positions and sometimes may forget them, while the rebels use them to sabotage the infrastructure. However, an army spokesman denied that the army has been using mines and also claimed that the rebels' use of these devices was limited. He admitted that government forces were regularly injured by grenades left behind by the enemy but characterized landmines as very rare. - Adam Geibel