A Libyan civilian has fallen victim to a landmine explosion in Ain Zara, close to the Fatima Al Zahra Mosque. The Emergency and Ambulance Service announced that the blast resulted in the amputation of a leg and hand, a stark testament to the latent dangers that persist in post-conflict Libya.
Emergency personnel from the Ain Zara Ambulance Office quickly transported the injured party to Zawiya Street Hospital.
Landmines remain a lethal remnant of conflict, hidden beneath the surface, long after peace has been declared. Such explosive devices continue to claim limbs and lives, undermining the safety and stability of communities striving to rebuild. The incident in Ain Zara is a distressing reminder of the enduring legacy of war, and the ongoing peril faced by civilians.
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 this week 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.
The Chief of the UNSMIL’s Mine Action Programme, Justin Smith revealed that at least 39 people were killed or injured last year in incidents related to explosive remnants of war.