Sirte’s First Field Engineering Battalion successfully disposed of six tons of war remnants, found in various areas of the city.
Local media reported that the operation was carried out under the supervision of the Head of the Military Engineering Division, part of the Ground Forces Command.
War remnants, including unexploded ammunition and mines, continue to pose a threat to civilians. Last week, the Ministry of Interior announced the discovery of 1,430 war-era ordnances, close to a project site, strategically positioned near Sebha International Airport.
The Ministry stated that the discovery was a result of a report from Al-Qarda Police Station in Sebha. Upon receiving the information, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) division of the Southern Criminal Investigation Department was dispatched to the scene.
The team quickly embarked on securing the area, and assessing the potential threat
The unearthed ordnances comprise of 155-125 type artillery shells, various artillery shell mechanisms, Grad rockets (type 106), and mortar projectiles, sized 180-161.
For public safety, all recovered munitions have been carefully transferred to secure storage units, pending their safe demolition, as per global protocols.
Libya has been plagued by ongoing conflict and political instability following the 2011 NATO-backed uprising, which led to the ousting and death of long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi. In the years since, rival factions and militias have vied for power, causing a significant security crisis and leading to the proliferation of weapons throughout the country.
In April, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) stated that more than 1 million explosive remnants of war (ERW) have been removed in Libya since 2011. These included 82% of projectiles, and 4% of small arms ammunition UNSMIL noted.
UNSMIL announced the launch of Mine Reduction Week, which aims to raise awareness of the dangers of unexploded ordnance.
UNSMIL stated that the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) removed 28,394 pieces of explosive materials in Libya, in cooperation with Libyan partners since 2022.
It confirmed that UNMAS is working continuously with Libyan partners to clear explosive remnants of war since 2011.