The toll of casualties from an explosion of war remnants in Ubari, southern Libya, has risen to 11, mostly children.
The incident occurred Tuesday evening in the residential area of Sharb, after children found the projectile and moved it from its location, according to a statement by Ubari Municipality Mayor Ahmed Matu to local media.
The mayor expressed his extreme concern about the incident, urging the “relevant authorities” in the country to quickly remove the war remnants from the city of Ubari to ensure the safety of citizens.
Meanwhile, Ubari General Hospital stated that the explosion resulted in varying degrees of injuries, indicating that it received 8 cases immediately after the incident, most of them children.
Ubari Hospital’s media office reported that 7 of the injured cases were transferred to Sebha Medical Center for treatment due to the limited medical capabilities at the hospital.
In December, 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 unearthed ordnances comprise of 155-125 type artillery shells, various artillery shell mechanisms, Grad rockets (type 106), and mortar projectiles, sized 180-161.
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 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.
