OSLO, July 12 (Xinhua) -- Norway said Thursday the Nordic country has increased its support for mine clearance in Iraq and Syria from 110 million kroner (13.58 million U.S. dollars) in 2017 to 154 million kroner in 2018.
The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) planted vast numbers of landmines and explosives in the areas they formerly controlled and these explosives pose an enormous threat to civilians, the Norwegian government said in a statement.
"Mine clearance is crucial to prevent the loss of civilian lives, to ensure access for emergency aid, and to enable hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people to return safely to their homes. This is why we are now increasing our support for mine clearance in Iraq and Syria," Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide said.
According to the UN, the number of landmines and unexploded ordnance in Iraq and Syria is extreme.
"The human suffering caused by these explosives must be brought to an end. The situation in Raqqa and Mosul is particularly serious. A substantial share of Norway's support for mine clearance is being channelled to these two cities," Soreide said.
Activities supported by Norway include mapping hazardous areas, training the local population in risk management, and clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance so that land and buildings can be used again.
