UNMAS Press Conference
Press Conference Announcement
Clearance of explosive hazards in Iraq post ISIL
Extensive conflict in Iraq associated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has displaced more than 5.8 million people since 2014. The military campaigns to retake cities have significantly contaminated areas with explosive hazards in addition to the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) placed by ISIL before their withdraw and during their occupation.
The presence of explosive hazards in liberated areas hinders stabilization and impedes urgently needed humanitarian response efforts and prevents civilians from safely returning home. The UN Mine Action Service and partners are working in the most complex and challenging environment imaginable and the ‘evil genius’ tactics engaged by ISIL is making the situation in Iraq even more complex and challenging. Highly skilled operators are required to carry out survey and clearance to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and to enable the realisation of stabilization efforts throughout the liberated areas.
Pehr Lodhammar, Senior Programme Manager, United Nations Mine Action Service, Iraq
The presence of explosive hazards in liberated areas hinders stabilization and impedes urgently needed humanitarian response efforts and prevents civilians from safely returning home. The UN Mine Action Service and partners are working in the most complex and challenging environment imaginable and the ‘evil genius’ tactics engaged by ISIL is making the situation in Iraq even more complex and challenging. Highly skilled operators are required to carry out survey and clearance to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and to enable the realisation of stabilization efforts throughout the liberated areas.
Pehr Lodhammar, Senior Programme Manager, United Nations Mine Action Service, Iraq
