Shafaq News – Duhok

The Directorate of Mine Affairs in Duhok detonated on Wednesday six landmines discovered in agricultural fields in the Shiladze sub-district, located in the northern part of the province.

Redar Basefki, the directorate’s media officer, told Shafaq News that specialized teams removed the landmines along with other explosive remnants found in a field in the Balanda Valley. The operation involved a mix of anti-personnel mines and various other explosives that posed a threat to residents.

These efforts come amid a decades-long legacy of armed conflict in the region, which has left large areas contaminated with landmines and explosive devices.

Read more: Spoiled by the coil: Iraq's mines battles take their toll

Earlier this year, the Directorate reported that mine clearance teams successfully cleared seven agricultural plots in 2024, covering a total area of 540,301 square meters, containing 116 anti-personnel mines, 14 anti-tank mines, and 5,938 pieces of unexploded ordnance.

Despite these efforts, the directorate noted that approximately 40% of the province’s land still requires surveying and clearance due to the presence of landmines and other explosive hazards.