Shepherd seriously wounded in bomb blast near Tuz Khurmatu

TUZ KHURMATU — A 22-year-old shepherd was seriously wounded on Wednesday after an improvised explosive device detonated in the village of Zghlbana, southwest of Tuz Khurmatu district, and was later transferred to hospital for treatment.

Ibrahim Khalid, a medical staff member at Tuz Khurmatu General Hospital, told 964media that the shepherd was grazing livestock near the village when the device exploded.

“A 22-year-old shepherd was severely injured while herding his livestock,” Khalid said. “He is currently receiving initial treatment and will soon be transferred to Azadi Hospital in Kirkuk.”

Khalid said a fragment struck the shepherd in the head during the explosion, causing internal bleeding. He described the condition as unstable.

Tuz Khurmatu Police Director Badr Khalaf told 964media that the explosive device dates back to the period when Islamic State militants were active in the area.

He said the area remains dangerous and that additional explosive devices may still be planted there.

Iraq continues to report incidents involving land mines and unexploded ordnance left from past conflicts. In recent months, 964media has reported deaths and injuries among children, shepherds and civilians in Diyala, Basra, Dhi Qar, Sulaymaniyah, Erbil and Duhok governorates.

Mine action authorities have warned that heavy rain and flooding can shift buried explosives toward residential areas, roads and farmland, while demining teams continue clearance operations in several regions.