Despite progress in stabilisation and reconstruction, Iraq remains one of the most heavily contaminated countries in the world. Clearance organisations supporting recovery efforts operate in an environment defined by complex explosive threats, demanding regulatory requirements and high expectations for safety and technical competence.

In this context, Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) has completed the preparation required to conduct accredited explosive clearance operations in Iraq. The Iraqi Directorate of Mine Action (DMA) applies a rigorous accreditation process that reflects the complexity of the threat environment and the need for proven operational capability, appropriate equipment and experienced personnel.

Operational presence and local capacity

GCS maintains an operational presence in Iraq through its office in Baghdad and a mixed team of Iraqi and international staff. The team brings experience from decades of clearance activities across different regions of the country. Recruiting, training and retaining local personnel is a central part of GCS's operational approach, recognising the value of local knowledge and long-term in-country capacity for sustainable mine action.

Under its accreditation, GCS is authorised to conduct a range of activities including manual demining, battle area clearance, technical survey and mine risk education. Accreditation for non-technical survey is in progress.

GCS is also among a limited number of international organisations accredited by the DMA to conduct search and clearance of improvised explosive devices and landmines. This accreditation followed an extended preparation phase, including field inspections and the deployment of appropriately qualified personnel. In accordance with the requirements, GCS employs IMAS Level 4 certified experts qualified to conduct improvised explosive device disposal tasks.

As GCS Chief Executive Officer Philipp von Michaelis explains:

"The standards applied for this accreditation exceed those typically required for conventional demining. Meeting them demonstrates the level of expertise and discipline required to conduct IEDD safely and effectively in highly complex environments."

Addressing a complex contamination legacy

Iraq's contamination reflects decades of conflict, from the Iran-Iraq war and the Gulf War to more recent fighting and prolonged internal instability. The situation was further exacerbated by the widespread use of improvised explosive devices during the ISIS occupation between 2014 and 2017. Urban areas, public infrastructure and agricultural land were deliberately contaminated, often with improvised devices concealed in buildings and debris.

The scale and nature of this contamination presents challenges beyond traditional clearance tasks. According to the United Nations, clearance of heavily affected urban areas such as Mosul is expected to require sustained effort over many years. As von Michaelis notes:

"This is not a single-dimensional clearance problem. The prevalence of improvised devices has overtaken legacy contamination in many areas, creating a level of complexity that demands specialised skills and appropriate technology."

Applying suitable technology

In dense urban environments and rubble-heavy areas, manual clearance alone is often insufficient. Mechanical systems capable of working through debris and preparing ground safely have become an essential component of clearance operations.

GCS deploys multi-purpose platforms that can be configured with task-specific tools to support counter-IED, mine and clearance operations in accordance with DMA requirements. The machine accreditation process for Iraq is progressing in parallel, ensuring that equipment used in country meets regulatory and operational standards.

By combining accredited personnel, mechanical systems and field experience, GCS supports clearance activities that enable safe access, reduce risk to civilians and support the return of displaced populations. As von Michaelis concludes:

"Until contaminated areas are cleared and made safe, communities cannot return and reconstruction cannot progress. Clearance is a prerequisite for recovery, and GCS is committed to supporting this effort in Iraq."