1.3.3 Conflict-related infrastructure damage and explosive remnants of war

1.3.3 Conflict-related infrastructure damage and explosive remnants of war

Comprehensive information on recent conflict-related damage to civilian infrastructure in Iraq during the reference period of this report was scarce across all consulted sources. Throughout the latter, wildfires resulting from aerial bombardments were reported and local residents complained of aerial attacks causing destruction of agricultural land and farms.140 Furthermore, a series of unclaimed drone attacks targeted several oil fields in the KRI in July 2025 and caused damage to the energy infrastructure.141

For information on reconstruction efforts please refer to section 1.5 of the previous EUAA COI report: Iraq Security Situation (May 2024).

Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) / Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) and landmines

As of spring 2025, estimates by United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) indicated that more than 2 700 square kilometres of land remains contaminated by landmines and explosive remnants of war.142 These areas include extensive and complex contamination in territory formerly held by ISIL,143 but also older minefields dating back to the Iran–Iraq war, as well as, to a lesser extent, to the Gulf war and the 2003 invasion.144 Approximately 26 % of the contamination is found in agricultural areas, limiting farmers’ access to land and livelihood opportunities. Another 20 % affects infrastructure, obstructing reconstruction and service delivery, while 19 % is located along roads, complicating safe movement and trade. An additional 22 % blocks access to water resources, further worsening living conditions in affected areas. From beginning of January to end of June 2025, UNMAS removed 7 401 ERWs and 399 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Ninewa governorate alone.145 Simultaneously, reports indicated that a suspension of demining operations in 2025 was prompted by aid reductions from the United States, which had been the leading contributor to mine action in Iraq—providing 60 % of total assistance in 2023.146

In April 2025, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) estimatedthat at least 2 100 square kilometres - equivalent to roughly 300 000 football fields - remain contaminated. Between 2023 and 2024, 78 casualties from ERWs were recorded, and in early 2025, three students were killed by ERWs in Basrah governorate.147

Humanity & Inclusion (HI) reported that landmines and UXO are found in cities like Mosul and Falluja, as well as on farms, roads, in public buildings, particularly in former war zones, including in the governorates of Ninewa, Kirkuk, Anbar, Salah Al-Din and Diyala. The border areas, especially along the Iran–Iraq border, are heavily mined. Contamination also affects oil fields, pipelines, and old military sites. These hazards not only restrict civilian mobility and economic activity but also prevent the safe return of displaced populations.148

As for the KRI, the Kurdistan Region Mine Action Agency (IKMAA) reported that roughly 250 million square kilometres are still contaminated, with 40 % of these areas uncleared – 47 % of which are in Erbil governorate. According to the source, several civilians have been killed or injured in mine explosions since the start of 2025.149

During the reference period (1 August 2024 - 24 July 2025), the US-based civil society organisation Enabling Peace in Iraq Centre (EPIC), documented more than 40 IED and ERW incidents between 1 August 2024 and 24 July 2025. These incidents resulted in over 40 people being injured, and at least 20 others killed.150

For more detailed information on ERW/UXO contamination in the different governorates, please see 1.4 Security situation and conflict impact on civilians by governorates.