Mortar shells
Unexploded ordnance found by local residents in Makhmur
MAKHMUR — Two truffle hunters discovered ten unexploded mortar shells in the Qarachugh mountain region near Mulhota village, sparking a security operation on Saturday, officials said.
Local resident Hamrin Marzani and a companion stumbled upon the 60mm shells, buried and undetonated, while foraging, replacing their quest for truffles with a perilous find. They reported the ordnance, marked by white tail sections and blue fronts, to the authorities, who confirmed the discovery through a video sent by Marzani.
A security team from Mala Qara removed the shells on Saturday. The ordnance is believed to be training munitions, but concerns remain that they could be remnants from ISIS, which had previously occupied the area.
Qarachugh Mountain, once a strategic base for various military forces including ones close to the PKK, has changed hands. Following withdrawal last year, the area is now under the watch of Peshmerga and Iraqi Army units.