Large parts of Iraq remain affected by extensive explosive contamination, limiting safe access and delaying recovery in communities impacted by years of conflict. In areas formerly occupied by ISIL, the scale and complexity of improvised explosive devices continues to pose a significant risk to civilians, humanitarian actors and reconstruction efforts.

In this context, Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) has been awarded a UNOPS / UNMAS contract to conduct high-risk IED clearance operations in Tal Afar, northern Iraq. The project supports efforts to reduce explosive threats and enable the safe return of displaced populations, as well as the restoration of essential infrastructure.

Operating in a high-risk environment

Tal Afar is characterised by dense and complex contamination. During ISIL's withdrawal, large numbers of improvised devices, booby traps and mine-style obstacle belts were emplaced across residential areas and public infrastructure, including homes, schools, hospitals and access routes. Many devices remain concealed beneath rubble, roads and agricultural land, preventing rebuilding and safe movement.

Under the project, GCS clearance teams are tasked with the search, identification, neutralisation and removal of a wide spectrum of explosive hazards. The work requires strict procedural discipline, specialised skills and continuous risk management due to the improvised and unpredictable nature of the devices encountered.

In parallel with clearance activities, GCS is supporting the delivery of emergency risk education to populations returning to contaminated areas, helping to reduce exposure to explosive hazards during early phases of return and recovery.

The mobilisation phase of the project has been completed successfully, including the UNMAS Iraq operational review. Training activities are currently underway, with full operational accreditation from the Iraqi Directorate of Mine Action (DMA) expected following completion of this phase.

Building sustainable national capacity

A central objective of the project is the development of sustainable national clearance capacity. While international expertise remains essential in high-risk contexts, the project is structured to transition operational responsibility to Iraqi national teams.

Two GCS international specialists are providing mentoring, technical oversight and quality management support to a fully national clearance team. Their role includes guidance on operational planning, safety management and continuing professional development, with the aim of enabling teams to operate independently over time.

As the project progresses, responsibility for day-to-day operations is expected to shift increasingly to national personnel, resulting in a self-sustaining clearance capability aligned with national mine action structures.

Inclusion and workforce development

The project also integrates provisions for gender equality and inclusion across recruitment, training and retention. GCS has actively recruited and trained women in operational, risk education and project management roles, while also focusing on engaging young men and women in a context of high youth unemployment.

By broadening participation in mine action activities, the project supports both operational effectiveness and longer-term social and economic resilience.

Enabling recovery

Iraq's national mine action authorities aim to significantly reduce known contamination in the coming years. Clearance of high-risk urban areas such as Tal Afar is a prerequisite for safe return, reconstruction and long-term stabilisation.

As GCS Chief Executive Officer Philipp von Michaelis notes:

"Until explosive hazards are removed and areas are made safe, displaced people cannot return home. Clearance is a critical step in Iraq's recovery, and this project contributes directly to that objective."

Through accredited operations, national capacity building and risk-focused delivery, GCS supports international and national partners in reducing explosive threats and enabling safer conditions for recovery in Iraq.