Preparations Underway for the Return of the First Group of Families to Rural Sari Kaniye as Mine Clearance Continues

Welat TV – Erbil

Mustafa Abdi, a member of the presidential team overseeing the implementation of the January 29 Agreement, announced that preparations are underway for the return of the first group of families to the countryside of Sari Kaniye in the near future, following the completion of mine clearance in several villages.

In an exclusive statement to Welat TV on Tuesday, July 21, Abdi said the return of residents has been delayed due to the widespread presence of landmines and other remnants of war, as well as ongoing security challenges. He noted that demining teams have so far cleared around 200 landmines.

He added that three specialized humanitarian demining teams, working alongside a team from the 60th Division, have been conducting joint mine clearance operations for approximately 40 days. Abdi explained that once the demining process is completed, arrangements will begin for the gradual return of residents to the area.

He added that decisions regarding the return of families to the remaining villages will be made only after demining teams officially declare the areas safe.

He also revealed that the team visited the countryside of Serekaniye on Monday, where they carried out five controlled demolition operations, destroying 94 landmines as part of ongoing efforts to create safe conditions for the return of civilians.