The Kurdistan Mine Action Agency reported a significant achievement on Thursday as its teams successfully cleared five additional minefields in the Mergasor district of Erbil province. The operation, led by Ali Abdulrahman, Director General of the Agency, focused on mine-infested areas located in the Qalandar mountain within the Soran Independent Administration.

Abdulrahman informed reporters that the demined areas have been safely returned to their respective owners, marking a crucial step towards ensuring the safety of local communities. He stated, “As per our records, over 317,461 square meters of land have been demined in Soran since the beginning of 2023. During this process, more than 723 mines of various types were discovered, along with 54 other explosive devices, all of which have been safely destroyed. The demining efforts are ongoing.”

Despite these efforts, the region has experienced six cases of citizens falling victim to landmines this year alone, resulting in two fatalities and four injuries, according to information obtained by BasNews. The persistent threat highlights the urgent need for continued demining initiatives.

The Kurdistan Region faces challenges related to landmines, particularly along the Iranian border, remnants of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War. Originating from the Iraqi army's attempts to hinder collaboration between Kurdish rebels and Iran during the conflict, these landmines continue to pose a threat even 35 years later. Approximately half of them remain active, underscoring the necessity for ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the local population.

The Kurdistan Mine Action Agency remains committed to its mission of clearing hazardous areas, contributing to the overall safety and stability of the region. The international community continues to support these vital efforts to eliminate the remnants of past conflicts and create a safer environment for the people of Kurdistan.