Iraq: 59% of areas contaminated with landmines cleared

The Iraqi Minister of Environment, Nizar Amidi, announced on Monday that 59 percent of the areas contaminated with mines have been cleared. Amidi confirmed that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani prioritizes issues related to the environment, adding that sufficient funds have been allocated in the federal budget to clear areas planted with landmines, according to the state news agency (INA).

“Iraq has cleared 59 percent of the areas contaminated with mines, and the remaining 41 percent represent more than 2,000 square kilometers,” Amidi said.