The neutralization and destruction of landmines and explosive materials left over from the Iran-Iraq war in the city of Mehran, Ilam province, 'without prior notification' has left residents of this city 'frustrated' and 'worried.' The local news website 'Avaye Mehran' reported on Thursday, February 3, that 'the thunderous and terrifying sound of explosives near the city has caused damage to people's homes.' According to this website, 'those who care for heart patients in their families consider the horrifying sound of explosions a danger to their patients' lives.' 'The lack of precise and timely information' about the timing of neutralization and the proximity of explosions to some residential houses has been declared one of the main reasons for the residents' protests. 'Avaye Mehran' added that 'many citizens of Mehran protest this matter and consider it a serious danger to themselves and their families.' The mine-clearing headquarters of Ilam province began its activities in areas of the city of Mehran on January 9 of this year, and it seems that these explosions are a result of these activities. Ilam province, with a 430-kilometer border, has the longest shared border with Iraq and is the most contaminated area with mines and explosive materials among Iran's five border provinces. According to initial statistics published in 1988, after the end of the Iraq war against Iran, 1,100 kilometers of the shared border between the two countries is contaminated with mines and explosive materials left over from the war. Five provinces in Iran, covering an area of about 4.2 million hectares, are contaminated with at least 16 million mines, a significant number of which have been neutralized or exploded in recent years. Detailed statistics show that from 1988 to 2013, explosions of leftover munitions from the war in five western provinces of Iran resulted in a total of 2,433 deaths and 5,601 injuries. The Iranian government has begun efforts to clear these areas after the war, and according to military commanders, at least 130 soldiers have lost their lives in the process of these cleanups.
Residents of Mehran City 'Frustrated and Worried' by the Thunderous Sound of Landmine Explosions
Residents of Mehran city are expressing frustration and concern over the loud explosions from landmine neutralization efforts, which have caused property damage and health risks, particularly for those with heart conditions. The lack of prior notification about these activities has led to protests, highlighting ongoing safety issues in a region heavily affected by past conflicts.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Residents of Mehran City are frustrated and worried due to loud explosions from landmine neutralization efforts that have caused property damage and health risks. The lack of prior notification about these activities has led to protests among the local population.
- The explosions are part of mine-clearing operations initiated on January 9, 2023.
- Ilam province is the most contaminated area in Iran with leftover mines from the Iran-Iraq war.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Iran-Iraq war left a significant legacy of unexploded landmines and ordnance, particularly in border regions like Ilam province. Efforts to clear these mines are ongoing but often face challenges related to safety and communication.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%