Randall Pinkston's Afghanistan Diary Part 2

The U.S. Military Public Affairs Office arranged for us to witness mine-clearing efforts at Bagram Air Base.

Dangerous Ground

Even though thousands of U. S. and coalition forces live and work on the base, much of the facility is off-limits because of mines planted there over the past two decades, first by the Soviets and later by warring mujahadeen factions.

The Pros

A team of British experts are clearing an area near a rock quarry on the edge of the air base.

Tools Of The Trade

A British officer explains the use of two of the most important tools in their arsenal. The first is a huge caterpillar-like vehicle called the Aardvark.

Safety Shell

The second: a bulked-up cousin of the Jeep and Land Rover called the Mamba. The Mamba, a vehicle manufactured in South Africa, can sustain explosions of mines and other ordnance while protecting the crew. They use the Mamba to make initial site surveys of areas where mines are believed to be buried.

The Big Sweep

The Aardvark is rolled in, flailing a group of heavy chains which are attached to a fast-spinning axle. The flailing removes surface soil, then triggers or destroys unexploded mines. The process creates huge plumes of dust and low visibility. Often, guidance comes from the crew in the Mamba.

Robot Friend

U.S. forces also use a mini-Aardvark in mine clearing operations. A soldier, standing nearby, operates the robot machine by remote control.

The Big Picture

Landmine clearing extends far beyond the boundaries of Bagram to the villages, fields and cities throughout Afghanistan. The U. S. Humanitarian Demining Program in Afghanistan estimates 200 casualties a month.

Heavy Toll

Most of the victims are civilians like 19-year-old Shayesta Said Farouq.

Shayesta's Story

Eight years ago, when her parents returned to their home to retrieve some belongings, Shayesta played in the yard, unaware that a warring mujahadeen faction had planted 22 landmines around her home. Shayesta triggered one of those mines, loosing her right leg below the knee.

Walking Again

Shayesta received rehabilitation and a prosthesis from the Kabul Orthopaedic Center.

Huge Task

Kabul Orthopaedic Center Director Alberto Cairo says it's one of the largest facilities in the world devoted exclusively to amputees and operates on a budget of more than $2 million (U.S.) per year. The center also operates offices in six other cities in Afghanistan.

In Demand

In addition to rehabilitation, the center makes 600 artificial feet, 90 wheelchairs and dozens of crutches and canes each month.

A Victim's Words

Shayesta now works for the center and is studying to become a physical therapist. Of the people who planted landmines where children play, she says, "They are not human beings."

Send your comments to Randall Pinkston at rp1@cbsnews.com.