Videos: Clearing land and saving lives in Iraq

An estimated 11 million Iraqis need humanitarian assistance after years of fighting between armed groups and government forces has displaced more than three million people. The Mosul offensive presents international organizations with an unprecedented challenge, as more than 485,000 people have fled the city since October 2016.

Thanks to Humanity & Inclusion donors, more than 200,000 people have benefited from safer land as our teams clear landmines and other explosives from their paths, skills to stay safe amid such deadly pollution, and stronger bodies and minds as our teams work tirelessly to help the injured and those with disabilities to regain their independence.

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In March 2017, Baker was injured in an air attack in the western part of Mosul. After having both of his legs amputated, he is now recovering in a hospital on the outskirts of the city. Handicap International is providing him with physical therapy care and psychosocial support.


Salah was hit by shrapnel during a bombing in Mosul and was told he may never walk again. On that day, he also lost his eight-year-old daughter. Now living with the rest of his family at a camp in Iraq, our team gave him a wheelchair and is helping him strengthen his body and mind through rehabilitation.


In May 2017, Abdullah was injured in an explosion in Mosul. Now displaced with his family in a camp located east of the city, the teenager receives rehabilitation care from Handicap International to help him recover physically and emotionally.


Abdel Hamid, 11, is from Mosul, Iraq. In March 2017, he was caught in a bomb attack that left him with a fractured hip. Rushed to hospital, he now receives daily physical therapy care from Handicap International.


Heavy fighting in Mosul has displaced more than 480,000 civilians since October. More than 100,000 of them have already returned to their towns and villages, which have been recaptured by the armed forces. Handicap International organizes risk education sessions on explosive remnants of war to alert people to the risks they are now likely to face.


In February, Warda and her family were caught in an explosion as they were fleeing Mosul. The young woman is now recovering in a hospital on the outskirts of the city, with her husband and daughter, who were also injured. Here's their story.


Mohamed, one of our physical therapists in Iraq, works in the camps for Iraqis displaced from Mosul. He took time this week to provide a quick update on conditions. (Note: 50 degrees C is 122 degrees F)


Handicap International began its weapons clearance operations in Iraq in January 2017. Since the start of the year, our teams have destroyed more than 2,000 explosive remnants of war in areas affected by heavy fighting. After returning to her home, Pashan discovered a crater in the garden. She tells her story:


In Iraq, Handicap International teams are keeping Mosul's children safe by teaching them about the dangers posed by explosive remnants of war. Take a glimpse into one of our risk education sessions.


Handicap International began its weapons clearance operations in Iraq in January 2017. Since the start of the year, we have destroyed more than 2,000 explosive remnants of war in areas affected by heavy fighting. Shakhwan benefits from this activity as a Handicap International team is currently doing marking in his village.