Landmines plague area equal to 3,00,000 football fields in Iraq

ANI April 5, 2025 120 views

Iraq faces a devastating landmine crisis that spans an area equivalent to 300,000 football fields, threatening civilian lives and economic recovery. Decades of conflict, including the Iran-Iraq War and the fight against Daesh, have left massive areas contaminated with explosive remnants. The International Committee of the Red Cross has documented 78 casualties from these deadly devices between 2023 and 2024. Urgent clearance operations are crucial to restore safety and enable community reconstruction in affected regions.

"Landmines continue to pose a significant threat to Iraqi communities" - ICRC Statement
Baghdad, April 5: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) contaminate an estimated 2,100 square kilometres of Iraqi land, a devastating area comparable to nearly 3,00,000 football fields.

Key Points

1

Conflicts left 2,100 sq km contaminated with explosive remnants

2

78 casualties recorded between 2023-2024

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Three students killed in recent Basra explosion

4

Clearance operations ongoing with national authorities

The contamination, resulting from conflicts including the Iran-Iraq War and the 2014-2017 campaign against Daesh, continues to endanger civilians, displace families, restrict farmland access, and delay reconstruction efforts.

The ICRC recorded 78 casualties from landmines and ERW between 2023 and 2024. In early 2025, three students were killed in an explosion in Abu Al-Khasib, Basra.

Marking the International Day for Mine Awareness on April 4, the ICRC, in a statement today, called for increased efforts to reduce contamination and support mine-affected communities. Clearance operations continue in cooperation with national authorities and humanitarian partners. (ANI/WAM)

Reader Comments

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Sarah K.
This is absolutely heartbreaking 💔 Those poor students... We need to do more to help clear these landmines and protect civilians. The international community can't just look away from this crisis.
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Mohammed A.
As someone from Basra, this hits close to home. Many farmers in my village can't access their fields because of ERWs. The government needs to prioritize clearance in agricultural areas - people are going hungry while good land sits unused.
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James T.
While I appreciate the ICRC's work, I wish the article provided more concrete ways for ordinary people to help. Donation links? Volunteer opportunities? Awareness is good but action is better.
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Leila P.
The comparison to football fields really puts it in perspective. That's an unimaginable amount of contaminated land. How many generations will have to live with this danger? 😢
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Ahmed R.
Respectfully, the article could have mentioned more about what's being done right now. I know several NGOs working on mine clearance - their efforts deserve recognition too. Progress is slow but happening.
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Emma S.
The statistic about 78 casualties in just one year is staggering. And those are just the reported cases. How many more go undocumented? This needs to be higher on the global humanitarian agenda.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Iraq Landmines ICRC Mine Awareness Conflict Zones Humanitarian Crisis Middle East Safety
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