{"id":3121,"date":"2025-07-01T15:37:33","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T13:37:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hawai.li\/fsd\/?post_type=country&p=3121"},"modified":"2026-02-24T09:06:46","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T08:06:46","slug":"iraq","status":"publish","type":"country","link":"https:\/\/fsd.ch\/en\/countries\/iraq\/","title":{"rendered":"Iraq"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Improvised mines: a deadly legacy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Between 2014 and 2017, the Islamic State group laid hundreds of thousands of improvised mines across the areas it occupied in Iraq: around villages, key infrastructure, roads, fields, schools and even inside houses. These improvised explosive devices, made from everyday materials, continue to restrict access to essential areas and slow reconstruction. They have also left communities living in constant fear and uncertainty, delaying the return of displaced families and the resumption of daily life in affected regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A boy was herding sheep when a mine exploded under his feet. His cousin came to help him, and then another device exploded.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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\n Resident of Al-Khalidiya<\/span>\n

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Millions of square metres cleared<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

FSD began operations in Iraq in 2016, while parts of the country were still under Islamic State control. Since then, several demining teams have been deployed, particularly in the provinces of Nineveh and Kirkuk. FSD focuses on the destruction of improvised explosive devices, also known as improvised mines. Deminers often use armoured construction machinery to remove rubble from collapsed buildings, paving the way for reconstruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, teams conduct explosive ordnance risk education sessions in villages and schools to inform both children and adults and prevent accidents. Digital campaigns complement these activities to reach as many people as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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