United Nations delivered 12 explosive disposal kits to Libya

The United Nations delivered 12 explosive disposal kits to Libya in a bid to enhance its capacity to rid the country of explosive remnants, said the United Nations Support Mission for Libya (UNSML) on Tuesday.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal kits were delivered to the Libyan Military Engineers and the National Safety Authority thanks to a 500,000 euros (611,000 U.S. dollars) contribution from the government of Austria, said the UNSML.

The donation is part of a capacity enhancement program, supported by the Austrian and British governments and coordinated by the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), the UNSMIL added.

“The presence of explosive hazards may prevent internally displaced persons from returning to their homes, and humanitarian actors from helping people in need. In short, it hampers socio-economic progress. For this reason, Austria, as a friend, a partner of Libya was happy to make this contribution,” said Ronald Sturm, Ambassador of Austria to Libya.

Several Libyan cities, particularly northern cities of Benghazi and Sirte, are suffering from a large spread of unexploded ordnance and mines after violent battles between army and government forces against terrorist groups.

Explosives and landmines in Benghazi killed 197 soldiers and civilians in 2017, according to military sources.