The United Nations recently made a shocking discovery in Mosul, Iraq, during restoration work at the historic Al-Nuri mosque. The UN team found five large-scale explosive devices hidden in the southern wall of the prayer hall. These bombs, planted by the Daesh group years ago, were designed to cause massive destruction to the site.
The Al-Nuri mosque, along with its iconic leaning minaret known as Al-Hadba, dates back to the 12th century and holds significant cultural and historical value. Unfortunately, both structures were destroyed during the battle to liberate Mosul from Daesh, who occupied the city for three years. The Iraqi army accused the terrorist group of planting explosives at the site and detonating them.
UNESCO, the UN cultural agency, has been actively involved in the restoration efforts of Mosul’s architectural heritage, much of which was reduced to rubble during the conflict in 2017. The agency’s team immediately secured the area upon the discovery of the bombs, ensuring that the situation was under control. While one bomb has been successfully removed, four others are still connected and will be cleared in the coming days.
The placement of these explosive devices inside a reconstructed wall highlights the cunning tactics employed by Daesh to conceal their deadly traps. Despite previous clearance efforts by Iraqi forces in 2020, these bombs remained undetected until now. General Tahseen Al-Khafaji, spokesperson for the Joint Operations Command in Iraq, confirmed the presence of several explosive devices planted by Daesh militants within the Al-Nuri mosque.
It is worth noting that it was from the Al-Nuri mosque that Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, the former leader of Daesh, declared the establishment of the group’s “caliphate” in July 2014. This site holds symbolic significance for both the terrorist organization and the people of Mosul, making the discovery of these bombs all the more alarming.
Following years of brutal rule by Daesh, Iraqi forces, with support from a US-led coalition, successfully liberated Mosul in 2017. The city has since been on a path to recovery, with efforts focused on rebuilding infrastructure and preserving its rich cultural heritage. The presence of these hidden explosives serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in post-conflict reconstruction and the ongoing threat posed by remnants of extremist groups.
As UNESCO continues its restoration work in Mosul, ensuring the safety and security of historical sites remains a top priority. The discovery of these bombs underscores the importance of thorough clearance efforts to protect valuable cultural landmarks from further harm. With concerted international efforts and local support, Mosul can once again thrive as a symbol of resilience and heritage in the face of adversity.