Meeting Iraqi Kurdistan’s ‘Million Mine Man’

Although he is officially retired, Ali has left his phone number and address with local security forces so that they can call upon his expertise at any time. Most recently Ali has been dealing with mines and improvised explosive devices left behind by the extremist group known as the Islamic State. He doesn’t work with any organisation officially any more but still does the frontline job.

“Since the security crisis began, I’ve been defusing mines on the battlefield,” Ali explains. “I don’t consider myself retired. The mines that the Islamic State group plant are very different to the kinds of mines that [former Iraqi leader] Saddam Hussein used to leave. Their devices are much more powerful.”

Ali also takes part in exhibitions and conferences and over the past 12 months, he has visited around 167 schools in the Halabja province to try and educate pupils about the dangers that landmines present. He plans to do the same in the province of Sulaymaniyah during the coming year.

“Wherever there are mines, I will go,” Ali insists. “I’m proud to make so many places safe and save lives. So I am going to keep doing this job until the last day of my life. I want future generations to remember the mine man.”