UK urged to clear Iraq explosives

UK urged to clear Iraq explosives

A charity is calling for Britain to help pay to clear mines and unexploded bombs after the war in Iraq.

Charities fear children are especially at risk

Director of Landmine Action Richard Lloyd said the longer it was before unexploded bombs were dealt with, the more likely that people, especially children, would be killed or wounded.

"Kids are naturally curious - they pick up stuff and that's when it explodes," Mr Lloyd said.

Mr Lloyd said many of the explosives were cluster bombs dropped by British and US planes.

He said the military should issue warnings to people in affected regions and start cordoning off areas where landmines had been laid.

A MOD spokeswoman told BBC News Online they would be willing to help clear mines in Iraq.

She said: "We do recognise that unexploded cluster bomblets and indeed all unexploded ordinance is a matter of humanitarian concern.

"That is why we are fully committed to the clearance of unexploded ordinance as part of a post-conflict reconstruction of Iraq."

'Callous disregard'

Mr Lloyd also urged the Ministry of Defence to reconsider withdrawing field hospital units which have helped treat landmine victims.

He pointed to the case of Achmed, a 13-year-old Iraqi boy who was recently helped by British Army medical staff after picking up a mine which blew off his right hand.

Mr Lloyd said with Iraqi hospitals stretched to breaking point it was imperative the British army medics should stay.

"To withdraw British medical resources at this stage show a callous disregard for the needs of Iraqi civilians as we move into the post-conflict phase," Mr Lloyd said.