Erbil, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Mine Action Agency (KMAA) revealed on Monday that its teams successfully cleared a total of 44 minefields in the Kurdistan Region throughout 2023, eradicating thousands of anti-personnel, anti-tank, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Jabar Mustafa, the Director General of Mine Action Affairs, shared the significant accomplishments during a press briefing. He reported that a vast area of 2,803,326 square meters was successfully demined, with the KMAA tackling 23 minefields and other organizations addressing an additional 21 fields.

The General Agency for Mine Affairs, under the KMAA, deactivated six anti-tank mines, and other organizations handled three more, resulting in the destruction of approximately 3,849 mines. Mustafa highlighted the crucial role played by these efforts in enhancing the safety of the affected regions.

Despite these achievements, the director acknowledged the sobering reality that landmines continue to pose a serious threat in the Kurdistan Region. Particularly along the Iranian border, remnants of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War continue to endanger lives. The mines, originally laid by the Iraqi army to impede collaboration between Kurdish rebels and Iran during the conflict, persist as a persistent threat even after 35 years. Approximately half of them remain active, posing an ongoing danger to both residents and those working in the region.

Tragically, Mustafa mentioned that in the process of demining operations in 2023, 10 individuals lost their lives to mines, and 13 others sustained injuries. The KMAA continues to work tirelessly to address the lingering challenges, ensuring the safety and security of the Kurdistan Region's residents, especially in areas marked by the remnants of past conflicts.