By Kazhan Abdullah
Kurdistan, a region renowned for its natural richness and cultural heritage, is still grappling with a dangerous legacy of landmine contamination. These deadly remnants of past conflicts continue to threaten civilians, hinder economic growth, and obstruct regional development. The issue of landmine contamination in Kurdistan has deep roots, stretching back to the 1960s, and has been exacerbated by subsequent wars and conflicts.
The use of landmines in Kurdistan began in the 1960s when the Iraqi regime deployed them to suppress Kurdish uprisings. However, the widespread use of mines escalated during the Iran-Iraq War, when both sides laid extensive minefields along the borders. These mines continued to affect the region long after the conflict ended. During the Gulf Wars, landmines were again deployed to disrupt military advances, further complicating the situation. The rise of ISIS in 2014 added yet another layer of contamination, as new minefields were laid during the conflict, exacerbating an already dire situation.
Today, Kurdistan is one of the most heavily mined regions in the world. It is estimated that around 776 square kilometers of land remain contaminated with landmines. This contamination has left vast areas off-limits to civilians and continues to have a devastating impact on local communities. Over 13,580 people have been affected by landmines, with 31 fatalities reported in the past year alone. The threat is especially severe in rural and agricultural areas, where mines are often buried in fields and roads, preventing farmers from accessing their land and severely hampering economic activity.
Efforts to address landmine contamination have been underway for decades. Since 1992, organizations such as the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and the Iraqi Kurdistan Mine Action Agency (IKMAA) have been working to clear contaminated areas. By 2023, approximately 258 square kilometers had been cleared, but an estimated 500 square kilometers remain heavily mined. Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has highlighted the progress made in recent years, including the destruction of over 550 landmines in Penjwen and the clearance of more than 108 mine-affected areas. His government is committed to continuing and expanding these efforts, making mine clearance a priority for the region’s development.
However, challenges persist. The IKMAA, which coordinates mine clearance efforts, faces significant obstacles, including a lack of funding, difficult terrain, and limited resources.
In addition to demining operations, psychological support for survivors is crucial. Organizations like the SEED Foundation and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) provide vital mental health services to survivors, but these efforts are limited by insufficient resources. Survivors often face stigma, which further complicates their recovery.
The landmine crisis in Kurdistan remains a major obstacle to safety, development, and economic recovery. While progress has been made, much more work is needed to clear the land and ensure a safer, more prosperous future for the people of Kurdistan. With continued international support and local efforts, the region can eventually overcome this persistent threat.