A Conflict-Raised Land into a Hope-Filled Land

Step into the extraordinary success story of Mayindol village, nestled within the Sulaymaniyah governorate, specifically in the Said Sadiq district, Barznja sub-district.

This charming village, strategically positioned at the crossroads of the Sulaymaniyah-Penjwen and Sulaymaniyah-Halabja highways, is the embodiment of the adage 'location, location, location.' Geographically, Mayindol boasts a diverse landscape, with flat and hilly terrain, adorned with gullies and valleys, all teeming with fertile soil—an agricultural haven. As you journey through this village, you'll soon discover its natural beauty truly comes to life during the vibrant and rejuvenating spring season.

However, Mayindol village was once a contaminated battlefield from the Iran-Iraq war, the area was cleared of explosives by The Mines Advisory Group (MAG) in 2021, with support from the U.S. State Department's PM/WRA. This clearance has revitalized the village, allowing its 150 families to safely use the land for agriculture, livestock grazing, and recreation. iMMAP Inc.'s Third-Party Monitoring (TPM) team observed the project's significant impact on community security and prosperity. While progress has been made, ongoing humanitarian mine action remains crucial for saving lives and rebuilding livelihoods in the region.

This  story underscores the positive effects of demining on rural communities in post-conflict areas.

History of Contamination

Chalak Taha, Field Supervisor at MAG, explains the history of the cleared land, locally known as “Zawi Haji Muhammed”:

Contamination Period

Throughout the contamination period, the land's agricultural and pastoral usage was hampered by the constant threat of explosions and injuries, making it inappropriate for any activity.

Jalal Salih Hama Law, Mukhtar of Mayindol Village, reflects on the exposure and difficulties faced by the local community due to explosive ordnance (EO), including mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW):

Clearance Activity Implementation and Achievement

In partnership with the Iraqi Kurdistan Mine Action Agency (IKMAA) and local authorities, MAG began land clearance on August 15, 2021, completing it on September 14, 2021. Chalak sheds light on the type of EO found, and highlights the crucial means of agriculture in the community:

After Clearance

The transformative power of this land cannot be overstated. After reclamation efforts, it has breathed new life into the village, resurrecting it from dormancy. The village committee head states that the four families who own this land have witnessed direct and immediate benefits. Simultaneously, the village, home to 150 families, now relies on this cleared expanse as essential pastureland.

This land has emerged as crucial for elevating livelihoods, fortifying security, and cementing community unity. After Clearance Altun, describes the situation in the village:

Awat Muhammed, one of the Landowners, describes the transformation and the benefits of the removal on the community livelihood:

TPM Observations

As part of the TPM team, we have closely observed the positive impact of the cleared land. The land has not only improved the livelihoods of the landowner but also provided a sense of security and prosperity to the entire community, highlighting the impact of mine clearance operations.

Conclusion

Today, this land symbolizes resilience and progress for those who live in Mayindol village and its surroundings. Although the ongoing humanitarian mine action operations have resulted in safer lands for communities within different areas of Sulaymaniyah, clearance and risk education remained one of the highly needed assistance efforts to continue saving lives and rebuilding livelihoods of the current and futures generations.

The work of MAG clearance and EO risk education teams has been made possible through the generous support of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA). All interviews were conducted courtesy of iMMAP Inc. through its Third-Party Monitoring of PM/WRA implementing partners’ humanitarian mine action operations in Iraq.

Photos from top to bottom: 1. Photo: iMMAP Inc. TPM team; 2. Photo: iMMAP Inc. TPM team; 3. Photo: iMMAP Inc. TPM team; 4. Photo: MAG Field team; 5. Photo: iMMAP Inc. TPM team; 6. Photo: iMMAP Inc. TPM team; 7. Photo: iMMAP Inc. TPM team; 8. Photo: iMMAP Inc. TPM team; 9. Photo: iMMAP Inc. TPM team.

Project Overview - Humanitarian Mine Action: Third Party Monitoring

The Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) program in Iraq has received assistance from the US Department of State’s Office for Weapons Removal and Abatement (WRA). iMMAP Inc., as WRA Third Party Monitoring partner, monitors and verifies USA-funded Conventional Weapons Destruction (CWD) activities in the country. By collecting and analyzing field data at regularly scheduled intervals, iMMAP Inc. provides WRA with a realistic picture of the program's progress, compliance with standard operating procedures and immediate outcomes of activities.