Context & Background: A City Ravaged and Booby-Trapped

Mosul, once a vibrant cultural and economic hub in northern Iraq, served as the de facto capital for ISIS in the country. The brutal 10-month battle to liberate the city, which concluded in July, resulted in thousands of casualties and widespread destruction. As ISIS fighters were pushed out, they left behind a city systematically rigged with explosives, a tactic designed to inflict maximum casualties on advancing forces and, more insidiously, on civilians attempting to return to their homes and rebuild their lives.

The scale of the problem is staggering. Special correspondent Marcia Biggs, reporting for the PBS NewsHour, documented the extensive efforts undertaken by organizations like Janus Global Operations, a security and risk management firm hired by the U.S. government. Their mission is to clear major areas of these explosive remnants. Christian, a team leader for Janus Global, explained the sophisticated methods employed by ISIS, detailing how wires were buried within asphalt and main charges strategically placed. His team’s work exemplifies the meticulous and dangerous nature of de-mining, where each step is fraught with risk.

The U.S. has invested significantly in this crucial aspect of post-conflict stabilization, allocating $30 million in the current year alone for clearing former ISIS territories across Northern Iraq. Janus Global, under this program, has already cleared 727 buildings and removed an estimated 3,000 IEDs, which officials suggest were produced by ISIS on an industrial scale. However, State Department officials and experts acknowledge that the sheer volume of unexploded ordnance in Mosul itself is unprecedented, presenting a challenge that far exceeds typical post-conflict scenarios.

The strategic targeting of infrastructure by ISIS, and consequently by coalition forces, has compounded the issue. Ghassan Alubaidy, the dean of the Mosul Technical Institute, revealed that the university, a former center of learning for thousands, was utilized by ISIS as a military base and a facility for manufacturing mines and bombs. This dual-use status meant that facilities deemed high-value targets by the coalition, such as the workshops where explosives were produced, were subjected to airstrikes. The irony is grim: the very places designed for education were transformed into sites of weapon production, becoming targets themselves. Among the rubble of these bombed facilities, university staff discovered bomb-making instructions, underscoring the institute’s role in ISIS’s deadly enterprise.

The impact of these explosives is not confined to the battlefield. Tragically, civilians attempting to return to their damaged homes have become victims. Fawzi al-Nabdi, a team leader for the Iraqi local partner Al Fahad Company, shared a harrowing account of a man and his two children who were killed when they opened the door to their home, only to trigger a hidden bomb. This stark reality highlights the pervasive danger that awaits any resident attempting to reclaim their life in a city still littered with the deadly souvenirs of ISIS’s reign.

In-Depth Analysis: The Strategic Layering of Danger

The liberation of Mosul marked a significant military achievement, but the ensuing battle against ISIS’s explosive legacy is proving to be a protracted war of attrition. The organization’s strategic use of IEDs and mines was not merely a defensive measure; it was a deliberate tactic to sow terror and cripple future recovery efforts. The sheer density and variety of these devices are a testament to ISIS’s organizational capacity and its twisted ingenuity.

Christian of Janus Global Operations described the meticulous nature of their work, emphasizing the need to clear access routes to critical infrastructure before addressing individual residences. Their priority, he stated, is the community: restoring essential services like schools, power, sewer, and water systems to enable people to return. This phased approach acknowledges that the safe reintegration of the population hinges on the foundational stabilization of the city’s infrastructure, a process that itself is hampered by the constant threat of hidden explosives.

The training of local Iraqi personnel is a critical component of the long-term strategy. Janus Global is investing in building the capacity of teams like Al Fahad Company, led by Fawzi al-Nabdi, to take ownership of the de-mining process. Al-Nabdi, who has six years of experience clearing mines across Iraq, expressed his commitment and the crucial role of American expertise. “The Americans are here to complete our work and to help us,” he stated through an interpreter. “They have greater experience than we do.” This collaboration is essential, as the scale of the task in Mosul dwarfs the capacity of any single external organization.

The specific challenges in Mosul are amplified by the city’s urban landscape. The Old City, the site of ISIS’s final stand, is particularly difficult to navigate and clear due to its dense, pre-existing infrastructure and the extensive damage sustained during the battle. Buildings are flattened, streets are choked with rubble, and the precise location and type of explosives are often unknown. The lack of a comprehensive plan for clearing the Old City, which remains out of bounds to civilians, underscores the magnitude of the task and the current limitations in addressing this highly concentrated danger zone.

The psychological impact of these lingering threats cannot be overstated. For residents returning to their homes, every step is fraught with anxiety. The memory of those lost to these hidden dangers, like the man and his children in the Old City, serves as a constant reminder of the pervasive risk. This psychological burden adds another layer of complexity to the arduous process of rebuilding not just the physical city, but also the sense of security and normalcy for its inhabitants.

The presence of ISIS bomb-making facilities on university grounds also highlights the strategic exploitation of educational institutions. These sites, subjected to airstrikes, now represent a double threat: the structural damage from bombing and the potential for unexploded ordnance or residual explosive materials. Dean Alubaidy’s determination to hold classes in alternate buildings despite the damage to the Mosul Technical Institute speaks volumes about the resilience and unwavering desire of the Iraqi people to resume their lives and pursue education, even in the face of such profound adversity.

Pros and Cons: Navigating the De-Mining Landscape

Pros of Current Efforts:

• U.S. Funding and Expertise: The significant financial investment and technical knowledge provided by the U.S. government, channeled through organizations like Janus Global, are crucial for the scale of operations required. This support ensures access to specialized equipment and training methodologies. U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Weapons Removal and Detention Affairs
• Training Local Capacity: The initiative to train Iraqi personnel, such as those at Al Fahad Company, is vital for long-term sustainability. Building local expertise ensures that the de-mining efforts can continue effectively long after international support phases out.
• Prioritization of Infrastructure: Focusing on clearing essential infrastructure like schools and utilities is a pragmatic approach that directly impacts the ability of communities to return and rebuild.
• Resilience of the Population: The eagerness of students to return to education, as seen with Mosul University, demonstrates a powerful will to overcome adversity and reclaim normalcy, which is a critical asset in the recovery process.

Cons and Challenges:

• Unprecedented Scale of Ordnance: The sheer volume and density of IEDs and UXO in Mosul far exceed typical post-conflict scenarios, requiring a sustained and intensive effort.
• Time and Resource Intensive: Clearing the city is a process that could take years, if not decades, demanding continuous funding and specialized personnel.
• Inaccessible Areas: Key areas like the Old City remain off-limits due to the extreme danger, hindering comprehensive clearance and preventing residents from returning to their homes.
• Risk to Civilians: Even with clearance efforts, the risk of accidental detonation remains, tragically impacting civilians who are attempting to return or reclaim their property. United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS)
• Dual-Threat Locations: Former ISIS bomb-making facilities, targeted by airstrikes, present a compounded risk of both damaged infrastructure and remaining explosive hazards.
• Psychological Impact: The constant threat of hidden explosives creates significant psychological stress for residents, impacting their ability to fully reintegrate and rebuild.

Key Takeaways

• The battle for Mosul may be over militarily, but a dangerous legacy of ISIS’s extensive use of IEDs and landmines persists, posing a significant threat to the city’s recovery.
• Organizations like Janus Global Operations, with U.S. government support, are working to clear these explosive remnants, but the scale of the task is immense and could take years or decades to complete.
• A key strategy involves training local Iraqi teams to build long-term capacity for de-mining and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD).
• Critical infrastructure such as schools and utilities are being prioritized for clearance to facilitate the safe return of residents.
• Areas like Mosul’s Old City, the site of ISIS’s final stand, remain particularly dangerous and largely inaccessible, with no immediate plans for comprehensive clearance.
• The presence of former ISIS bomb-making facilities adds another layer of complexity, as these locations are both damaged from airstrikes and potentially contaminated with explosives.
• The psychological impact on returning residents is significant, as the constant threat of hidden dangers creates pervasive anxiety.
• Despite the challenges, there is a strong determination among Mosul’s residents to rebuild and resume normal life, exemplified by the eagerness of students to return to education.
• Accurate figures on the total number of explosive devices remain elusive, complicating long-term planning and resource allocation. Human Rights Watch reports on Iraq often detail the impact of conflict on civilians.

Future Outlook: A Long Road to a Safe City

The future of Mosul is intrinsically linked to its ability to overcome the pervasive threat of explosive remnants. The current trajectory suggests a prolonged period of diligent clearance, meticulous planning, and sustained international cooperation. The success of these efforts will not only depend on the technical expertise and resources deployed but also on the resilience and unwavering spirit of the Iraqi people.

The ongoing training of local Iraqi de-mining teams offers a promising avenue for self-sufficiency, but it requires consistent investment and mentorship. As Christian of Janus Global emphasized, the goal is for Iraqis to be able to manage these threats independently when international teams eventually depart. This capacity building is paramount for the long-term security and stability of Mosul.

However, the sheer density of explosives, particularly in densely populated areas and former ISIS strongholds, means that significant challenges will persist. The potential for accidental detonations, even with the most rigorous clearance protocols, remains a stark reality. Furthermore, the psychological scars left by the conflict and the constant threat of hidden dangers will take time to heal, requiring comprehensive support systems for the community.

The international community’s commitment will be crucial in the years ahead. Continued funding for de-mining operations, alongside support for infrastructure reconstruction and humanitarian aid, will be essential for Mosul’s comprehensive recovery. The lessons learned from Mosul could also inform future post-conflict stabilization efforts in other regions affected by similar threats. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) plays a vital role in coordinating these global efforts, advocating for victim assistance and the eradication of landmines and explosive remnants of war. United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs provides further context on global mine action initiatives.

Call to Action: Supporting Mosul’s Path to Recovery

The people of Mosul are at the forefront of a challenging battle, not against an active enemy, but against the insidious remnants of a defeated one. Their determination to rebuild their lives and their city deserves unwavering global support. While direct engagement in de-mining efforts is a specialized task, individuals and organizations can contribute in several ways:

• Support Humanitarian Organizations: Contribute to reputable organizations working on the ground in Iraq, providing essential services and supporting reconstruction efforts. Many international NGOs are actively involved in humanitarian aid and long-term development projects in post-conflict areas. Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund and similar organizations are examples.
• Advocate for Continued Funding: Encourage governments and international bodies to maintain and increase funding for de-mining and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) programs in Iraq and other affected regions. Raising awareness about the ongoing dangers is crucial.
• Promote Education and Awareness: Share information about the challenges faced by cities like Mosul to foster a greater understanding of the complexities of post-conflict recovery. Educating oneself and others about the impact of landmines and UXO is a vital step. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) offers valuable resources.
• Support Long-Term Development: Beyond immediate de-mining, supporting initiatives that foster economic recovery, education, and social cohesion in Mosul will be critical for building a sustainable and secure future.

Mosul’s journey back from the brink is a testament to human resilience. By understanding and addressing the persistent threat of ISIS’s explosive legacy, the international community can play a vital role in ensuring that the city not only rebuilds its structures but also its future, free from the shadow of hidden dangers.