IKMAA Expands Awareness Campaign on Mine and Explosive Hazards Across Kurdistan
On Thursday, 24 August 2025, the Iraqi Kurdistan Mine Action Agency (IKMAA) launched an intensive campaign to raise public awareness about the dangers of landmines and explosive remnants of war (UXO). Awareness teams are being regularly deployed to border areas and communities near minefields, spanning from Garmian to Zakho.
- Erbil Office Activities:
IKMAA’s Erbil office dispatched teams to deliver educational sessions in villages across the Haji Omaran district, engaging directly with residents to share life-saving information.
The teams also reached nomadic families in the Choman and Sidakan districts, using visual materials and practical safety guidance to raise awareness about landmines and UXO.
- Slemani Office Activities:
Through its Mine Victims Awareness and Support Department, the Slemani office conducted house-to-house awareness campaigns in Shadala (Swrdash, Dukan district), Dollbeshk (Mawat district), Wandarena (Barzanja, Said Sadiq district), Baraw (Sitak, Sharbazher district).
These sessions focused on identifying explosive threats and promoting safe behaviours among local residents.
- Duhok Office Activities:
In Qumri village (Kani Masi district), IKMAA teams organised seminars to educate residents about the risks of landmines and UXO, and provided clear guidance on safety precautions.
- Garmian Office Activities:
IKMAA’s Garmian office carried out awareness efforts in Pariawllay Bachuk village (Pebaz subdistrict), distributing educational leaflets and posting safety notices in public spaces.
Particular attention was given to the Maqar Sryaka minefield, located within the village boundary, which contains a high concentration of anti-personnel mines. Residents of Pebaz subdistrict are strongly urged to avoid this area until clearance is completed.
Awareness teams also visited Awakheri village to deliver mine safety information and engage residents on best practices for avoiding explosive hazards.
*Public Safety Notice*
_*Dear citizens, if you encounter landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), or other explosive devices, please call IKMAA’s free emergency hotline: 182 to report the danger immediately._*
