The Libyan Criminal Investigation Department (CID) stated that it successfully recovered mortar shells and remnants of war, found in an abandoned house in the city of Sebha, southwest of the war-torn country.
The CID added that the “Explosives Disposal Unit dealt with a number of war remnants, after receiving a report from the Sebha Police Station.”
The statement clarified that these included 73 mortar shells, four launchers, a tank launcher, 11 artillery shells, and other remnants.
“The remnants of war were transferred to the CID headquarters in Sebha, until they are able to be destroyed safely,” the statement concluded.
In November 2022, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) expressed their deep concerns about the continued loss of civilian lives, due to unexploded ordnance in populated areas.
The two UN bodies said in a joint statement that another child tragically lost his life, when he found and played with a grenade that was left behind by Libya’s warring parties.
“UNICEF and UNMAS are deeply concerned by the continued loss of civilian lives, especially children, from explosive remnants of war and urge all Libyans to be aware of the risks,” the joint statement said.
The statement revealed that three brothers were grazing their sheep in the suburbs of Tajoura, northwestern Libya, when they found the grenade. “The youngest, aged six, tried to collect it, causing an explosion and his tragic death. His two brothers, nine and 12, were severely injured, with one boy losing his hand.”
UNICEF Representative for Libya, Michele Servadei said “explosive ordnance will continue to endanger civilians for many decades to come, and in particular children.”
“We call upon all armed actors to stop the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, and to put in place measures to protect civilians, in particular children,” Servadei said.