Chad peacekeepers destroy 150 unexploded weapons

IRISH soldiers have destroyed more than 150 unexploded rockets, grenades and army shells, potentially saving the lives of African villagers who would have come in contact with them.

Since the Irish 97th Infantry Battalion landed in the country in May to help protect hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing from nearby Darfur, soldiers have destroyed the Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) devices.

In the last three days alone, bomb disposal teams have destroyed 31 UXOs in south-eastern Chad.

The war debris, many parts which were found by locals and villagers, are believed to have been lost or used (but failed to explode) by government or rebel forces during armed clashes.

Unexploded military items destroyed since troops arrived in the central African country include unexploded rockets, mortars and rocket propelled grenades.

The finds come as the peacekeeping soldiers based at Camp Ciara attempt to educate nearby villagers over the danger of unexploded war debris.

“They are potentially lethal and the Irish battalion in co-operation with NGOs have also started a programme of education and awareness for the local pop-ulation, pointing out the danger of UXOs and simple actions to be taken should any be located. Carrying out this function contributes to the safety and security of their environment,” an army spokesman stated yesterday.

Irish bomb disposal units — known as Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams — were also involved in educating the locals about similar dangers during missions in Lebanon and Liberia as well as the current mission in Kosovo, where Irish troops are still based.