'War remnant'
Hand grenade kills two children, injures another in Anbar
FALLUJAH – Two children were killed and another critically injured on Saturday when a hand grenade exploded in northern Fallujah, Anbar. Authorities believe the grenade was a remnant of Iraq’s many wars.
The injured child was rushed to the emergency department of a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries hours later. The incident occurred as the children moved the grenade, unknowingly triggering the explosion.
Omar Al-Issawi, a local resident, described the tragedy to 964media. “The hand grenade was a remnant of the war, and the children found it without realizing its danger, and it exploded on them,” he said.
Following the explosion, local authorities were quick to respond, initiating an urgent investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident. They also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious materials or objects.
The deaths have deeply saddened the community, prompting calls for increased efforts to clear the area of war remnants to enhance safety.
Iraq ranks among the most heavily mined countries globally, grappling with a legacy of landmines and unexploded ordnance from various conflicts. The Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor reported nearly 35,000 casualties from such devices by the end of 2022. The contamination stems from several periods of conflict, including the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf War, and recent battles with the Islamic State group, leaving many areas littered with explosive remnants of war.
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