General Directorate of Mine Affairs in Erbil announced on Thursday that explosive disposal teams will destroy more than 50 landmines and war remnants in the Mount Gorz area near Soran.
According to the official statement, the operation will take place between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Authorities warned residents in Soran and nearby villages that loud explosions may be heard during that period.
The warning includes the villages of Balakyan, Majidawa, Hawdiyan, Mazni, Sardaw, and nearby areas. Officials urged citizens not to approach Mount Gorz during the operation.
The directorate stressed that the explosions are part of a planned security operation. It also confirmed that the process does not pose any threat to nearby residents.
In an official statement, Ali Abdulrahman said teams had already cleared the minefield during earlier operations. He explained that specialists collected the explosives and placed them in a secure storage site.
Abdulrahman stated that authorities decided to destroy the mines because the area falls within the Soran tourism master plan. He added that the Kurdistan Region’s Council of Ministers and the Soran Independent Administration requested the operation.
According to officials, the explosives include anti-personnel mines and other war remnants from past conflicts. Technical teams will supervise the operation using international safety standards.
Furthermore, the directorate said clearing the area will help protect civilians and support future tourism and development projects. Officials described the operation as part of wider efforts to remove dangerous remnants from conflict-affected areas.
Mine contamination still affects several mountainous areas in the Kurdistan Region. Therefore, authorities continue clearance campaigns to improve public safety and open more land for investment, tourism, and agriculture.
Finally, the directorate asked residents to follow safety instructions and stay away from restricted locations until the operation ends.