Mine clearance in the mountains of Mosul

7 May 2024 / Orlane Lagarde

Chris Hunter, a mine action expert for FSD, recounts the daily life of a demining team tasked with securing the mountains around Mosul in Iraq.

Dear Reader,

My name is Chris Hunter and I’ve been part of FSD’s team in Iraq for several years. As a Senior Technical Advisor, my primary role is to identify and neutralise improvised mines and other explosive remnants of war located by my colleagues. Today, I would like to take you to an area that my team is currently clearing of explosive hazards near Mosul.

In the heart of these mountains, many improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are hidden. These homemade landmines, laid during the conflict by the Islamic State forces, still regularly claim the lives of many innocent victims. Clearing this area of mines is no easy task for our teams. The temperature often exceeds 40 degrees, and the steep terrain demands extreme caution, as well as particularly high-levels of stamina for our deminers, who carry many kilos of equipment to reach the minefields.

Despite these challenges, our motivation is unwavering. Every day, seeing the smiles on the faces of the children and families living nearby strengthens our determination. We are delighted to be able to help people to live their lives again in complete safety, and ultimately to be helping to create a brighter future for generations to come.

Every explosive device neutralised represents a potential life saved and a further step towards the recovery of this magnificent region scarred by years of conflict.

I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your support, because it is thanks to you that we can continue to help those who need it most.

Yours sincerely,
Chris Hunter