Forced from the land because of Iraq’s civil war. Then the fighting subsided but beneath the ground, the battle raged on. This is a story of renewal and the demining process that brought a sense of hope to many.
Few share a stronger connection to the land than those who live off it. For 54-year-old Awad Abdullah Kedoh, this couldn’t be truer. Within Iraq’s Tel Kaif district, about 13 km northwest of Mosul, is where he ploughs his trade. Here, an abundance of sun promises barley, golden wheat, and fresh produce, which helps to sustain this father of 3 and his extended family.
However, Mr Kedoh’s resources are being spread extremely thin. He was forced to flee his home because of civil war, but when the fighting subsided and he returned, beneath the ground the battle raged on. Thus far, landmines claimed around 50 of his livestock after they unknowingly strayed into a hazardous minefield. Shrapnel from one of these unfortunate explosions even harmed one of his children. Though the young victim’s injuries were minimal, such haunting trauma can last a lifetime.
Combining forces
Explosive Ordnance (EO), a broad term that can include but is not limited to landmines, remains a devastating legacy that exists long after treaties get signed or the piercing sound of gunfire stops. Similarly, Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), sometimes referred to as homemade bombs, litter not only Iraq’s urban areas but surrounding regions too. This is a result of the war that resumed in that country between 2014 and 2017. While military operations against terrorist groups and ongoing peace talks have proved to be effective catalysts to help rebuild the country, the work is far from over.
Industry experts estimate that in Mosul alone, Iraq’s second-largest city, contaminated debris and explosive risks left behind by the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) is estimated to be around 7.6 million tons. Contracted by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), GCS’ work in and around Mosul over the past 12 months resulted in the clearance and subsequent disposal of around 2600 EOs.
Meeting the challenge
Offering an eye-witness account is GCS project manager, Southey Schoombee, who says “We are working on a lot of IED belts. We are clearing big areas, 1.4 million square meters, of which we have completed about 55%.” Focused mainly on clearing farmlands, Mr Schoombee, who oversees a team consisting of local and international staff, says that despite their hazardous conditions and rugged terrain, the spirit among the team is positive. “In summer it can be over 50 degrees Celsius and in winter it can drop to -6 degrees, but we adapt to all circumstances.”
Given the practical experience needed to complete such operations, GCS has a fundamental role in this manual mine detection mission to find and clear any threats. In future, the company aims to combine on the ground know-how with the fitting capabilities of their remote-controlled machines, which could speed up procedures in Iraq while reducing the possibility of anyone getting hurt.
A matter of urgency
Concealed in dreadful silence, landmines remain hidden killers that can leave behind irreversible damage and horrific images of, most commonly, leg amputations. Though being confronted with a landmine can result in several other disabilities such as loss of hands, impaired hearing, and blindness. Despite ongoing attempts to ban the use, production and storage of antipersonnel landmines, some simply refuse to put an end to these dangerous devices.
Mine clearance and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) will ensure that innocent civilians can safely return to their homelands and ultimately allow children a space to be themselves. Those in the vicinity of Tel Kaif, now have an opportunity to utilise workable land, hereby restoring some degree of normality. The plan is to bring needed hope to the lives of hundreds of others like Mr Kedoh, whose stories far too often remain unheard. Clean up efforts such as these are crucial and cannot happen soon enough.
Short Film Unearthed Hope
Discover more about Mr. Kedoh’s story in the short film Unearthed Hope: