Unauthorized Excavation by Iraqi Military, PMF Raises Alarm in Kirkuk’s Sargeran District
The group, guided by an Iranian team, reportedly claims to be searching for gold, allegedly based on a Mongol-era map.
Feb. 3, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Growing concerns have emerged in Shanagha village, located within Kirkuk’s Sargeran district, where unauthorized excavation activities carried out by Iraqi military forces and Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) have led to significant property damage and archaeological disturbances.
According to Mohammed Ismail, the village mayor, speaking to Kurdistan24’s correspondent Hemn Delo on Monday, an Iranian team accompanied by Iraqi army and PMF forces has been conducting excavations on local farmland for several days.
The group reportedly claims to be searching for gold, allegedly based on a Mongol-era map. However, the operations have inflicted severe damage on agricultural land and farming equipment.
One of the most affected individuals is Kurdish farmer Ahmed Kanebi, whose land was excavated without prior approval.
Reports indicate that forces dug a six-meter-deep pit on his property without obtaining the necessary permissions or consulting local authorities.
When Kanebi attempted to question the activities, he was forcibly removed from his land and denied access to the excavation site.
The incident has resulted in multiple violations, including unauthorized access to and excavation of private agricultural land, destruction of farming equipment and irrigation systems, damage to historical artifacts, with reports of ancient urns being broken, and displacement of local farmers from their properties.
Local authorities, including the Sargeran district administration, were alerted about the ongoing activities, yet excavation efforts continued.
The situation underscores growing concerns regarding unauthorized military actions affecting both agricultural and historical sites in the region.
Calls for immediate intervention to halt these activities are intensifying as residents fear further damage to their land and heritage.
Kurdistan24's Correspondent Hemn Delo contributed to this report.
