Iraq says 4,800 square kilometers still contaminated with mines

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi authorities have put the total area contaminated with mines and explosive remnants across the country at 4,800 square kilometers, warning that clearance operations could take roughly 15 years. Officials said existing resources are insufficient to complete the work on a shorter timeline and that long-term planning backed by international support is needed. The contaminated areas include agricultural land, residential zones and transport routes, presenting what authorities described as serious risks to civilians and the wider economy. The presence of mines and unexploded ordnance in populated regions has complicated farming, reconstruction and the return of displaced residents to areas liberated in past military operations. Officials said clearance efforts must be treated as a combined security, humanitarian and development challenge, rather than a purely technical task. They added that the scope of contamination means the process will stretch across years under current capacity. The authorities urged continued international cooperation and funding to expand demining teams and accelerate survey work in the worst-affected districts. No further details on the locations of priority clearance zones or the cost of the program were immediately available.