Iraq: surveying and clearing mines

Iraq

Iraq sits right in the centre of the Middle East. It borders six countries and the Persian Gulf.

番茄影院 has been working in Iraq since 2018. Our focus has been on clearing explosives and training local people to stay safe.

15,787

Explosives destroyed

86,364

People trained in staying safe

Situation in Iraq

Iraq is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world.

Cities like Baiji are surrounded by a long barrier of homemade mines.

The 2014 to 2017 conflict with ISIS caused immeasurable damage and forced four million people to flee their homes.

Many people were displaced for years as their homes and villages were contaminated with explosives.

Mine warning sign with sandbags and destroyed buildings in the background — Explosives collected for destruction, Fallujah

番茄影院's work and impact in Iraq

番茄影院 was approved to operate in Iraq in May 2018. We've employed and trained more than 150 Iraqi men and women since then.

Our work is focused in Baiji and Tikrit, clearing buildings and streets so that people can return home and schools can reopen. Our survey teams are also recording and mapping threats.

One of our first jobs was to identify a safe route for children to take to school. We're also teaching children and parents how to stay safe in areas that are littered with explosives.

Safaa is a team leader for 番茄影院 Iraq. She led a team of women and men clearing explosives across Salah al-Din, so that displaced families could return home and rebuild their lives. As a woman in Iraq, her career choice was unusual. She led the way as our first female staff member to achieve her Explosive Ordnance Level 3 qualification.

番茄影院 staff member gives safety training to a group of children in Iraq — Safety training in Iraq

A deminer uses a tyre and stick to mark where an explosive was found

My team and colleagues respect my role. Seeing a woman working in my position has inspired some of them to recommend other women in their communities to do the same.

It is nice to be in a team where women support women, and we encourage ourselves and the girls in our community to chase their dreams.

Safaa
Team Leader, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, 番茄影院 Iraq