Peshmerga soldier killed by landmine explosion in Duhok

DUHOK — A Peshmerga soldier was killed on Monday evening when a landmine exploded while he was carrying out his duties in the Duhok’s Barwari Bala area.

A security source from the Amedi District confirmed to 964media that the Peshmerga fighter, identified as Akre district resident Mohammed Ahmed Mustafa Surchi, lost his life due to the explosion.

The Peshmerga are the military forces of the Kurdistan Region, responsible for protecting the region and maintaining its internal security.

The Kurdistan Region remains heavily affected by landmine contamination, a legacy of prolonged conflicts, including the Iran-Iraq War, clashes with the former Baathist regime, and ongoing regional instability. These landmines and unexploded ordnance continue to pose a persistent threat to the safety and daily lives of residents, especially in rural and isolated areas.

“The body is currently being transported to the Duhok Forensic Medical Department for examination before being handed over to his family,” the source added.

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident to determine further details surrounding the explosion.

Jabbar Mustafa, director of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Mine Action Agency, previously told 964media that of the 776 square kilometers of land initially classified as mine-contaminated in the Kurdistan Region, 576 square kilometers have been cleared, leaving 200 square kilometers still hazardous. Mustafa reported that landmines have impacted 13,580 individuals, with approximately 5,000 fatalities.

In 2023, 23 landmine-related incidents were recorded, resulting in 10 deaths and 13 injuries.