British man killed in demining accident in Iraq's Ramadi
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 23 August 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, British man killed in demining accident in Iraq's Ramadi, 23 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57db9a3910.html [accessed 8 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 23, 2016
A British man hired to clear mines planted by Islamic State extremist group in the western Iraqi city of Ramadi was killed as he tried to defuse a bomb on August 22, his employer said.
His death, the first of a Western demining expert in the city, highlights the challenge of making territory safe for civilians once it is recaptured from the militants.
Janus Global Operations did not name the victim but said he was killed in a worksite "incident" that is now under investigation. Another Briton suffered minor injuries, it said.
The U.S. company is helping Iraqis remove explosive ordinance and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) left by IS before U.S.-backed Iraqi forces retook the city west of Baghdad in December.
Hundreds of IEDs planted on Ramadi's streets and buildings have delayed the return of thousands of residents.
A shortage of Iraqis trained in dismantling the explosives has slowed efforts to restore security. Several Iraqi technicians have previously been killed by snipers.
The United States, Norway, and other countries in the international coalition battling IS contracted with Janus earlier this year to help the cash-strapped Iraqi government rehabilitate Ramadi.
Based on reporting by Reuters, AFP, and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
