Explosions from hidden landmines killed two individuals over the past six months. These tragic incidents also injured seven other people. Meanwhile, specialized clearance teams successfully removed thousands of dangerous weapons.
Local authorities confirmed the specific locations of the fatal accidents recently. One tragic death occurred within Sulaimani province. Another victim lost their life inside Erbil province. Furthermore, the severity of the physical injuries varied significantly. Some survivors now face permanent physical disabilities.
Demining teams worked to clear dangerous territory. They collected 26,583 pieces of unexploded ordnance. Additionally, they safely removed 437 heavy anti-tank landmines.
Field operations achieved significant progress throughout the year 2026. Workers successfully cleared 200,000 square meters of hazardous land. This accomplishment involved cleaning two distinct minefields. Crews also secured three historical battlefields during their operations.
Thousands of dangerous explosives remain buried across the local countryside. These weapons usually include anti-tank and anti-personnel devices. The former Ba’athist regime planted most devices during the 1970s. Military forces targeted Peshmerga fighters in rugged mountain areas back then.
Unexploded devices from older regional conflicts still litter the ground. Leftover weapons from the internal civil war also endanger local communities. These hidden items threaten innocent civilian lives every single day.
Historical records show that these old weapons claim lives annually. Total casualties since 1992 now exceed 13,000 individuals. This massive total includes approximately 5,000 confirmed deaths over the decades.
Safety teams have cleared about 563 square kilometers of land since 1992. Last year, landmines impacted 34 separate victims in the region. Twelve of those individuals unfortunately lost their lives. Demining squads continue their vital work to prevent future tragedies.