Al-Rafidain organization for mines has started a campaign in southern Basra province to clear unexploded ordnance left over from the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s and the Persian Gulf War, the Iraqi satellite television network al-Sumaria reported Thursday.
International officials estimate there are around 25,000 land mines scattered throughout the region. Reconstruction in the oil-rich region cannot proceed in several areas because of the thousands of minefields still uncleared, officials said.
Alaa Abdul Majid Mohammed with al-Rafidain said his organization has removed some 750,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance from the area so far.
He called on the international community, particularly the coalition from the Persian Gulf War, to do more to help demine the region.
Most of the minefields are located along the Shatt al-Arab river, a disputed waterway that was the main point of contention in the Iran-Iraq war.
© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
To add a comment,
Please log in:
Don't have an account?
Register now to comment on stories and stay up to date on important events and issues in the Middle East with our newsletter.