Large parts of Mosul and its surrounding areas remain affected by extensive explosive ordnance contamination, restricting safe movement and delaying stabilisation and recovery. Clearance operations in these environments require rapid mobilisation, strict quality management and close coordination with national and international stakeholders.

In September 2020, Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) was awarded a UNOPS / UNMAS contract to conduct explosive hazard clearance operations in Mosul and surrounding areas. Despite operational constraints linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, two clearance teams became fully operational within six weeks of mobilisation.

Operating in a complex contamination environment

Liberated areas of Mosul are characterised by dense and diverse contamination. Booby traps, improvised explosive devices and mine-style obstacles remain present across residential neighbourhoods, public buildings and access routes. Large volumes of rubble and debris conceal explosive hazards beneath roads, farmland and collapsed infrastructure.

Effective clearance in this context requires a comprehensive explosive hazard management approach. GCS teams are tasked with systematic search, identification and render-safe activities, working in accordance with UNMAS requirements and national mine action regulations. The objective is to reduce risk sufficiently to allow humanitarian assistance, stabilisation and redevelopment activities to proceed.

Rapid mobilisation and operational readiness

The ability to reach operational status within a short timeframe reflected coordinated mobilisation, structured training and established support mechanisms. GCS's regional office in Baghdad provides central logistical, technical and coordination support, acting as the primary interface with the Directorate of Mine Action (DMA), UNMAS Iraq, stakeholders and supply partners.

The project includes high-risk search tasks in areas where access and reconstruction have been prevented by hidden explosive hazards. Clearance teams work methodically to secure task locations, establish safe working areas and prepare explosive items for controlled disposal.

As GCS Chief Executive Officer Philipp von Michaelis notes:

"Becoming operational within this timeframe, under both environmental and pandemic-related constraints, reflects the professionalism, teamwork and proactive approach of the teams on the ground."

Supporting stabilisation and national capacity

The Mosul project builds on GCS's broader experience in humanitarian mine action and explosive hazard clearance in complex environments. In parallel with operational delivery, GCS supports the training, deployment and development of national explosive hazard clearance teams in the Ninewa region, contributing to longer-term in-country capacity.

Clearance of explosive hazards is a prerequisite for the safe return of displaced populations, restoration of livelihoods and access to agricultural and residential land. More than one million internally displaced people are linked to contaminated areas in and around Mosul, underlining the importance of sustained, accredited clearance efforts.

Through rapid mobilisation, accredited operations and structured national capacity building, GCS contributes to reducing explosive risks and enabling safer conditions for recovery in Mosul and its environs.