In a distressing incident on Monday, two Peshmerga soldiers hailing from the Kurdistan Region were wounded as a result of a planted bomb explosion under the vehicle they were operating. The incident occurred in the subdistrict of Deraluk within Duhok province. The soldiers were engaged in the construction of a vital road near the town of Amedi when the explosive device detonated beneath their excavator.

According to sources familiar with the situation, one of the soldiers endured minor injuries and was subsequently released from the hospital after receiving appropriate medical care. On the other hand, the second Peshmerga soldier remains in stable condition under close medical observation at the Amedi hospital.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of the hazards that persist from the eight-year conflict between Iraq and Iran. During that period, significant areas within the Kurdistan Region, both at the border and within urban spaces, were subjected to extensive mining to thwart potential Iranian advances into Iraqi territory. This unfortunate legacy has left thousands of explosive ordnances scattered across battlefields, with several areas still heavily mined. These hidden dangers continue to pose significant challenges for local farmers, hindering agricultural and pastoral activities.

In response to these ongoing threats, the Mine Action Agency, operating under the Kurdistan Regional Government's current cabinet, has escalated its efforts to clear the remaining minefields. These extensive clearance operations aim not only to eliminate potential hazards but also to transform previously hazardous zones into fertile and arable land. This proactive approach not only contributes to enhancing the safety and well-being of the local population but also supports the burgeoning growth of Kurdistan Region's tourism and agriculture industries.

The incident in Deraluk serves as a stark reminder of the enduring consequences of conflict and the resilience required to rebuild and secure a safer future. The Kurdistan Regional Government's commitment to mine clearance underscores its determination to create a safer and more prosperous environment for its citizens, where economic development and agricultural pursuits can thrive without the looming threat of hidden explosives.