Landmines, unexploded ordnance
Halabja fire burns uncontrolled for second day
HALABJA – a fire that ignited two days ago on the Tawela mountain continues to burn uncontrollably, compounded by the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance. The demining agency of the Kurdistan region has deployed clearance teams to support the firefighting efforts.
The blaze, which started late Monday night, has yet to be contained or the extent of the damage assessed. By Wednesday morning, it had spread close to residential areas and the local cemetery in Tawela.
Zaniar Mohammed, spokesperson for Halabja Civil Defense, expressed the challenges faced by emergency responders. “Our teams are on the ground battling the fire, but the rough terrain and the hazardous remnants of war significantly obstruct our efforts,” Mohammed told 964media.
Ali Mirani, the director of Technical Affairs at the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Mine Action Agency, confirmed that demining units are actively working at the site. “Our teams are following established procedures and guidelines in the affected area,” Mirani noted. He further explained the risks associated with the mines: “While underground mines are not prone to ignition, those exposed on the surface may explode.”
Mirani also highlighted that the mines and ordnance in Halabja are remnants from the eight-year conflict between Iran and Iraq.
Although there is no demining directorate currently in Halabja governorate, Mirani mentioned that approval has been secured to establish one, pending the allocation of necessary resources from the cabinet.