According to official figures, there are still around 3,000 mined areas in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Since 1992, these have killed or injured more than 13,500 people, according to a statement made by the KRI’s mine clearance authority in Hewlêr (Erbil) on Tuesday on the anniversary of the death of several mine clearance personnel who had lost their lives during operations.
In the statement, the authority warned of the continuing dangers posed by unexploded remnants of war, especially near cities, on transport routes, and in potential development areas.
Most of the mines originated from the wars of the 1980s and 1990s, including the Gulf Wars and other military actions during the regime of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Today, these explosive remnants are considered one of the greatest obstacles to reconstruction and economic development in the region.
According to the authorities, many of the affected areas are located along transport routes and near public infrastructure. This makes it impossible in some cases to build schools, hospitals, and supply lines.
On the other hand, 572 square kilometers have been successfully cleared of mines and explosive remnants of war. Work is still ongoing on a further 196 square kilometers. The total area of mined territory is estimated at around 776 square kilometers.
Mine clearance teams themselves are also repeatedly affected. According to official figures, at least 35 personnel have been killed and 67 injured since work began, including employees of international organizations, companies, and the regional mine clearance authority itself.