The United Nations has issued a warning that over 444 million square metres of land across Libya are contaminated by landmines and explosive war remnants. The UN reported that 16 people, including children, have died this year due to these remnants, marking a significant rise from just two casualties the previous year.
Fatma Zourrig, Director of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Libya, explained that the scale of contamination means clearing the land will take a minimum of 15 years.
“More than one million explosive remnants of war and approximately 54 tonnes of small arms ammunition have been cleared in Libya since 2011,” Zourrig stated.
The contaminated areas cover over 444 million square metres, accounting for over 64 percent of the land identified as high-risk for landmines and war-related hazards. Zourrig also indicated that as surveying continues, the total affected area could increase.
