TEHRAN- The Deputy of the Army Ground Forces has announced a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance from Iran's border regions. 

Brigadier General Arjmandi revealed that more than five million landmines and over 6 million unfired bullets dating back to the Sacred Defense era have been safely cleared by the Iranian Army's engineering units. The Sacred Defense refers to the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s.  

Speaking at a festival on Sunday, General Arjmandi paid tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of those involved in the clearance operations, noting that over 170 martyrs and 752 veteran personnel have been committed to the cause, underscoring the profound commitment to the revolution.

Highlighting the extensive role of the engineering units within Iran's military framework, General Arjmandi emphasized their nationwide presence and diverse operational scope. He described how these units are structured to support missions ranging from frontline operations to deep territorial defense.

"Engineer's Day commemorates the bravery of our engineering soldiers during the eight years of the Sacred Defense," the general remarked, praising the pivotal role of the unit in creating pathways to the advancement of their comrades.

General Arjmandi elaborated on the multifaceted tasks undertaken by the engineering units, which include constructing defensive barriers, deploying various types of minefields, building bridges for offensive maneuvers, and clearing enemy obstacles to thwart advancements.

Reflecting on the challenges faced during the Sacred Defense, General Arjmandi recounted instances where engineering units facilitated the passage of combat units and heavy equipment across treacherous terrains, such as raging rivers like the Karun and Karkheh.

Turning to the imposed war, General Arjmandi highlighted the extensive mining of border regions by Iraq in the late 1980s. He stressed that the clearance of millions of mines and bullets from contaminated border areas remains a critical aspect of the engineering units' ongoing efforts, with a significant number of personnel dedicated to this cause.

Beyond the conflict era, he emphasized the evolving role of engineering units in enhancing national security and spearheading civil projects. He cited achievements in fortifying border defenses, improving infrastructure, and implementing civil initiatives under the guidance of the Islamic Revolution's Leader.

In recent years, the army's Ground Force engineering has undergone significant upgrades, with investments in advanced equipment and infrastructure. 

General Arjmandi outlined initiatives to enhance combat capabilities, including the procurement of new engineering equipment and the modernization of existing machinery.

Additionally, he highlighted the engineering units' contributions to community development, citing projects aimed at improving access to water, transportation, and residential infrastructure in various provinces.

In conclusion, the general reaffirmed the engineering units' unwavering commitment to national security and public welfare, showcasing a legacy of resilience and service to the Iranian people.