UN reports 16 deaths in Libya from landmine explosions since january
The UN reported on Monday that 16 people, including children, have died in Libya this year due to explosions from landmines and unexploded ordnance. Fatima Zurik, head of the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Libya, warned that more than 444 million square meters of land need to be cleared of war remnants and landmines, a process that could take up to 15 years. Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in 2011, ongoing conflict between armed groups has left large areas contaminated by mines and unexploded munitions, which continue to pose a deadly threat to civilians. Libya has remained in turmoil since Gaddafi’s ousting, with the country divided between the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity and forces loyal to Benghazi-based military commander Khalifa Haftar.
UN reports 16 deaths in Libya from landmine explosions since january Read More »