Explosives dating back to Baath era found in Duhok field

DOHUK — A farmer in Duhok Governorate unearthed 14 RPG rockets Sunday while working on his land, according to local authorities.

“Today, Sunday, we were alerted to the discovery of a number of explosives in the Fayde area. A team was dispatched to the site immediately, where 14 RPG shells were found in an agricultural field,” said Regr Besfki, spokesperson for Duhok’s mine action department, speaking to 964media.

The shells, believed to date back to the Baath regime era, were buried in the field. Besfki noted that the farmer discovered them while plowing the land. Mine action personnel removed the ordnance and transported it to a secure site for further disposal.

Decades of conflict have left the Kurdistan Region heavily contaminated with mines and other explosive remnants of war. An estimated 776 square kilometers of land were initially polluted, hindering economic development and posing an ongoing risk to local communities. Demining efforts began in 1992, and approximately 576 square kilometers have been cleared, though around 200 square kilometers remain hazardous.

The General Directorate of Mine Affairs in the Kurdistan Region reported clearing roughly 733 acres of land with landmines and unexploded ordnance in 2024.

2024 recorded 11 casualties from landmine or explosive remnants, including four fatalities and seven injuries or amputations.