Landmines and unexploded ordnance cleared and detonated by a mine action team in Duhok’s Semel district in December 2025.
Kurdistan Region mine agency says nearly 3 million square meters cleared in 2025
ERBIL — Kurdistan Region’s Mine Action Agency said Thursday that its teams cleared nearly 3 million square meters of land of mines and unexploded ordnance in 2025, while mine-related incidents killed 12 people and injured 17 others during the year.
Agency Director Jabar Mustafa announced the figures at a press conference, saying government and partner demining teams cleared 29,346 items, including anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance.
Mustafa said 2,708,250 square meters were cleared across 38 minefields and 15 battle areas. The agency said the cleared plots have been handed over to local owners and can now be used safely for agriculture, livestock, development projects and resettlement.
The Kurdistan Region remains heavily contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance after decades of conflict, including the Iran-Iraq War, fighting under the former Baathist regime and later instability. Rural communities remain among the most exposed, with mines posing ongoing risks to lives and livelihoods.
On casualties, the agency said 29 incidents were recorded in 2025, resulting in 12 deaths and 17 injuries. Mustafa said most incidents occurred in spring, when residents entered contaminated areas to collect wild herbs.
Official figures show landmine explosions caused 11 casualties in the Kurdistan Region in 2024, including four deaths and seven injuries or amputations. In 2023, the agency recorded 23 incidents, resulting in 10 fatalities and 13 injuries.