An army stockpile of surplus and unserviceable munitions has been destroyed in Galcaio by the MAG-trained Puntland Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.
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Above and top: The EOD team carry out an inspection of each item. [Photos: MAG Somalia] |
Around 12 tonnes of munitions – ranging in size from 7.62mm rounds to BM-21 rockets and everything in between, including white phosphorous projectiles – were being stored in a large roofless building next to the perimeter wall at the army compound.
On the other side of the wall, no more than 70 metres away, is a residential area.
Disposing of these poorly stored items, some of which were damaged, was a priority.
Anything from a stray cigarette to a lightning storm could have resulted in massive damage and loss of life within this heavily populated urban setting.
Galcaio (marked, to the south) is a town rich in culture and history. However, due to its geographical location and the clan borders surrounding it, the area has been of strategic importance to all sides during Somalia’s long struggles. Taking advantage of a quieter period within the region, the Puntland Mine Action Centre and MAG decided to move from their base in Garowe (marked above) down to Galcaio and begin work. [view larger map] |
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White phosphorous is a uniquely dangerous munition, as once detonated and exposed to air its content burns intensely and can only be extinguished when starved of oxygen.
Smaller unsafe items which could not be transported long distances were demolished at a site a suitable distance from the city and any rural settlements.
The rest were taken north to the Puntland Mine Action Centre’s well-established Controlled Demolition Site on the outskirts of Garowe.
MAG trained a unit of the local police force in Garowe in Explosive Ordnance Disposal earlier in the year – covering munitions recognition, the safe handling of explosive ordnance, conducting safe demolitions, first aid and communications – and now supports and advises the team as they carry out operations around Puntland.
- Blog: The road to demolition. Read more on these demolitions, from MAG's Project Manager in Puntland, Alistair Moir
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The Explosive Ordnance Disposal team prepares for the controlled demolition, overseen by Puntland Mine Action Centre's Operations Manager Abdi Aziz (second from right). |
MAG would like to express its thanks to the following donor to its Puntland operations: Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, US Department of State.
9 December 09
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