The quaint village of Al-Salihia, cradled by the Tigris River’s eastern bank in Iraq’s Nineveh Governorate, resonates with a rich history and communal harmony among its diverse inhabitants. Primarily agrarian and fisheries-focused, this community faced massive upheavals with the rise of ISIS in 2014. Infrastructure was ravaged, families displaced, and social fabric torn. SHO, committed to rebuilding lives and communities, took it upon itself to transform this narrative, one life at a time.
The Struggle of Al-Salihia
Take the case of Ghanem, a resident whose agricultural land was his family’s lifeline. The ISIS occupation not only drove him from his home but also transformed his arable fields into treacherous minefields. This had a ripple effect on the economic stability and safety of Al-Salihia’s inhabitants.
Answering the Call for Help
Recognizing the value SHO could bring to his community, Ghanem approached us with a plea: to rid his land of explosive remnants of war (ERW). SHO’s Non-Technical Survey (NTS) team promptly surveyed the area, followed by our Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) team educating the community on the dangers of ERW. Empowered by the Department of Mine Action (DMA) in Iraq, SHO began meticulous manual clearance operations under the mentorship of FSD.
Transformative Action
The results were transformative. SHO’s team safely neutralized 128 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and 44 items of unexploded ordnance (UXO) on Ghanem’s property. This monumental task didn’t just benefit Ghanem; it eliminated an existential threat for the entire community. The residents were elated, now secure and empowered to reclaim their agricultural heritage.
Lasting Impact
In a heartening follow-up during March 27-29, 2023, our teams found families returning to Al-Salihia. Ghanem himself contributed a portion of his now-safe land for the construction of an elementary school. This act opened new doors for community development and education, encapsulating SHO’s vision of rebuilding from the grassroots. Project engineers of the school construction confirmed that the once-dangerous terrain now posed no risk, thanks to SHO’s efficient clearance operation.
Moving Forward
While it may still be early to fully gauge the extensive impact of our initiatives, the burgeoning signs of life, education, and community wellbeing are promising. SHO remains committed to fostering safe, secure, and sustainable environments, transforming hazard-laden landscapes into havens of hope and development.
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