Russian forces remotely mining streets and parks in occupied Kherson, Ukraine

Russian forces are remotely mining streets and parks in the occupied southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, according to the city's military administration.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said on Tuesday, July 12, that Russian troops are using drones to drop mines on civilian areas.

The city's military administration has urged residents to be cautious and to avoid areas that may be mined.

The use of remote mining is a violation of international law. The Geneva Conventions prohibit the use of indiscriminate weapons that cannot be targeted at specific military objectives.

The use of remote mining is also a serious threat to civilians. Mines can remain active for years after they are deployed, and they can cause serious injuries or death to anyone who comes into contact with them.

The Russian military has a history of using indiscriminate weapons in Ukraine. In 2014, Russian-backed separatists used cluster munitions in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk. Cluster munitions are banned under international law because they pose a serious threat to civilians.

The use of remote mining in Kherson is a further escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. It is a clear violation of international law and a serious threat to civilians.

Here are some tips to stay safe from mines:

• Avoid areas that are known to be mined.
• Be aware of the signs of mines, such as tripwires, stakes, or unusual objects.
• If you see a mine, do not touch it. Report it to the authorities immediately.
• If you are in an area that may be mined, walk carefully and avoid stepping on anything that looks suspicious.
• If you are injured by a mine, seek medical attention immediately.

The Ukrainian government has set up a hotline for people to report suspected mines. The hotline number is 0-800-502-771.