 |
|
Rocket Propelled Grenades (PG9s and PG15s) found at an unsecured arms depot in Ajdabiya. [Photo: MAG] |
MAG is now carrying out emergency Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) tasks in Libya, and responding to a request by the authorities to secure Ammunition Storage Points (ASPs) and destroy surplus and damaged weapons and ammunition.
Key operational activities already undertaken by MAG’s senior technical expert include:
• Assessments in Ajdabiya on Wednesday 13 April which resulted in the discovery and safe removal of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from homes;
 |
|
Abandoned munitions free-for-all at the unguarded Ajdabiya munitions
depot. Visible in the picture are anti-tank missiles (foreground), mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, 106mm recoilless
cannon rounds, fuses, and other munitions. |
• Responding to official requests from the Libyan National Interim Transitional Council to deal with UXO and unsecured ammunition stores;
• Supporting the United Nations Mine Action Service’s response to the emergency;
• Working with other non-governmental organisations to coordinate our activities, in order to maximise impact and help identify priorities.
MAG’s swift response to the crisis is already proving successful in reducing the effects of weapon and ammunition leakage, and in dealing safely and effectively with unexploded and abandoned munitions.
The problem
It has been widely reported that unsecured ASPs are being looted by civilians, many of whom collect munitions and keep them in their homes.
Significant quantities of Abandoned Explosive Ordnance (AXO) also pose a significant threat to civilians. Local authorities have formally requested assistance from MAG, as they do not have the capacity to deal with these severe hazards.
How can MAG continue to reduce the risk?
MAG is actively seeking funds to expand its essential and lifesaving operations, including:
Ajdabiya |
|
• The continued removal and safe disposal of AXO and UXO;
• Further emergency Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM) activities, securing more damaged ASPs and weapons stockpiles;
• EOD spot tasks and clearance work, leading teams of national staff, providing training to an international standard in safe identification, removal and destruction of ordnance;
• Increasing the capacity of opposition forces to safely and appropriately manage stockpiles and the disposal of AXO;
• Coordinating with agencies delivering risk reduction education to at-risk communities and other humanitarian actors on the ground.
MAG has prepared a detailed concept of operations to illustrate our implementation of these activities.
 |
|
A BM-21 rocket motor later removed from an interior wall of a home in Ajdabiya. [Photo: MAG] |
14 April 2011
See also:
Back to top
