Kurdistan Mine Agency Clears More Land for Farming, Agriculture
Kurdistan Region's Mine Action Agency on Tuesday destroyed at least 800 landmines and other kinds of explosive ordnances in the Ballakayaty district of Erbil province as part of government plans to ensure public safety, and make more room for the development of tourism, farming and agriculture sectors.
The operation was conducted in trenches on Bardabuk Mount, which sits far behind the township of Galala near the town of Choman, which is a mountainous district attracting thousands of tourists from across Iraq every year.
A French de-mining team from the US-led global coalition against the Islamic State (IS) oversaw the operation along with a specialized team from Peshmerga Commandos, according to Kurdistan 24.
During the eight-year war between Iraq and neighboring Iran, extensive mining of Kurdistan Region's border areas and certain urban locations took place to thwart Iranian advances into Iraqi territory. Additionally, thousands of explosive ordnances were left scattered across battlefields.
Some of these areas remain heavily mined to date, creating obstacles for farmers residing in close proximity, hindering agricultural and pasturage activities. During the tenure of this cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), the government has shifted its focus towards enhancing Kurdistan Region's infrastructure networks, including development of the tourism, agriculture and farming sectors.
As a result, the Mine Action Agency has intensified its efforts to clear the remaining minefields, thereby creating more arable land and fostering the growth of the tourism industry.
