MISRATAH – With the support of UNSMIL’s Mine Action Programme, implementing partners cleared 14,066 items of explosive ordnance from Al-Sweihli Farm in Misratah between January and September of this year, according to a field report presented by the Libyan Peace Organization during a visit by the UN team to Misratah last week.
The UNSMIL Mine Action team and partners met with the Misratah Municipal Council to discuss how UN support, alongside the efforts of national and international partners, can help protect civilians from explosive hazards while promoting good practices and raising awareness on safe ammunition management and handling.
During the meeting, Misratah Mayor Mahmoud Alsgoutri requested support for clearance operations in the Zamzam, Wishka, and Abugrein areas, where explosive remnants of war continue to pose a threat to civilians. He also welcomed risk-awareness campaigns and expressed support for initiatives aimed at helping communities stay safe.
“Libyan civilians should not be exposed to such dangers,” said Fatma Zourrig, Chief of UNSMIL's Mine Action Programme. She expressed concern about the impact of recurrent unplanned explosions occurring near populated areas across Libya. She reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to working closely with Libyan counterparts to enhance civilian safety and protection from explosive hazards, noting that such incidents are preventable.
Protecting communities and reducing the risks associated with unplanned explosions at munitions sites were central themes of a field visit led by the UNSMIL Mine Action team following an explosion in Misrata's Al-Sikt area. The incident, along with five similar explosions across Libya over the past four years, has left surrounding areas contaminated with explosive ordnance.
Technical assessments conducted during clearance operations have frequently found that ammunition storage practices that do not comply with international standards are a primary factor contributing to the risk of such incidents. UNSMIL Mine Action Programme seeks to strengthen national capacity in weapons and ammunition management to promote safe and consistent stockpile management practices.
Together with the Libyan Mine Action Centre, the UN team reviewed progress in explosive ordnance disposal, and explosive ordnance risk education activities implemented by HALO Trust and the Libyan Peace Organization under an Italian-funded project.
The mission concluded with a visit to Al-Sweihli Farm, where clearance operations are currently underway as part of the project.
