ERBIL — The Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) Mine Action Agency has announced that over 776 square kilometers of land in the region are still contaminated with landmines, urging immediate funding to speed up demining operations.

Deputy Head of the Mine Action Agency, Niyazi Khalid, highlighted the agency's request for a share of a $400 million loan the British Import Agency provided to the Iraqi federal government, noting that the KRG has yet to receive its portion. Khalid emphasized the importance of securing the Region’s 12.27 percent share of the loan, around 70 billion Iraqi dinars, to accelerate the clearance process.

The KRG has already identified 17.5 square kilometers of mine-affected land for clearance and submitted a project proposal to Baghdad. However, the Iraqi Ministry of Planning's approval is still pending, and it's unclear if funding will be allocated this year or next.

Khalid expressed concern over meeting the Ottawa Treaty’s 2028 deadline for clearing all mines and explosive remnants from Iraq, warning that the KRG requires more than $1 billion to remove over 100,000 landmines and explosive devices. Despite progress over the past three decades, with 520 square kilometers cleared, around 100 square kilometers remain heavily mined, particularly along the Iran-Turkey border.

The KRG continues to collaborate with international partners, but Khalid stressed that adequate funding is essential for completing the mission and ensuring safety in the Region.