Kurdistan landmine clearance efforts have advanced this year, with two million square meters of land cleared in just seven months. The General Directorate for Mine Action in the Kurdistan Region confirmed that operations remain active and essential for protecting communities.
According to Director General Jabbar Mustafa, the agency cleared more than two million square meters of land in 2023. In 2024, clearance expanded further, reaching over three million square meters. These results show the increasing pace of operations and the urgent need to secure more land.
Mustafa explained that the goal for 2025 is ambitious. He expects that more land will be cleared than in previous years, thanks to intensified efforts. However, he also acknowledged that landmines still threaten lives. Mine-related explosions killed ten people and injured sixteen others in the first seven months of this year.
Currently, the Kurdistan Region contains around 776 square kilometers of mine-contaminated land. Authorities have cleared 576 square kilometers, but 200 square kilometers still remain affected. This shows progress, but it also highlights the need for more resources and stronger cooperation.
Since 1992, landmines have caused severe human losses in Kurdistan. According to official statistics, more than 13,580 people have been affected. Among them, nearly 5,000 people lost their lives, while around 8,000 others now live with permanent disabilitiesDuring operations, 36 clearance workers died, and 65 others sustained injuries while serving their communities.
Kurdistan landmine clearance efforts not only protect lives but also open land for agriculture, housing, and development. Every cleared area becomes a space for families to return, farmers to cultivate, and communities to grow. Therefore, the directorate stresses that clearance has direct economic and social impacts.
Finally, Mustafa emphasized that raising awareness is critical. Citizens must understand the dangers of mines and support clearance teams. He added that sustained cooperation between local institutions, international partners, and the public is the only way to achieve lasting safety.
With these steps, Kurdistan landmine clearance efforts continue to save lives and pave the way for safer, more prosperous communities.
