Ramadan is over and the security situation is again stable enough in Misrata for DanChurchAid's mine clearance teams to resume work. The need is greater than ever and the National Transition Council has welcomed DCA – in person.
DanChurchAid (DCA) recommenced its clearance operations in Misrata Libya after Ramadan and the festival of Eid.
DCA’s search teams have been concentrating on the centre Mantika (Canton) of Misrata and have now started work on the main Tripoli Street, which was central to the struggle between the Freedom Fighters and government forces.
All the buildings, however, still need to be cleared of unexploded ordnance and explosive remnants of war (ERW) before the reconstruction process can begin.
On this first day in the area, the teams recovered 12 MAT 120 bomblets (cluster munitions) amongst other unexploded items. These munitions are delivered in a mortar, which expels 21 of these deadly dual-purpose munitions that are designed to damage tanks and produce fragmentation when they explode.
Due to the nature of the delivery system, DCA teams have to access roof spaces and all high areas as many of these items end up in such places. In buildings that are partially or mostly destroyed this can be challenging at the best of times.