Cuito – Some 130 assorted types of landmines were deactivated and destroyed in the province of Bié, during the year 2023, less 186 compared to the last year, ANGOP learned today.
According to the representative of the National Mine Action Agency (ANAM) in Bié, Ismael Brito, the aforementioned mines were deactivated in the municipalities of Cuito, Andulo, Cunhinga, Camacupa, Catabola and Cuemba, respectively.
In the same year, the operators also managed to destroy 297 non-detonated explosives, as well as 2, 507 small calibers, less 2,586, compared to previous year, and it contributed to making more areas available for agricultural activities.
Ismael Brito also said that, throughout 2023, around 17 fields were free of mines and other explosive devices.
He called on civil society to report it to the competent authorities when they come across a strange object.
The work of demining and sensitization of the population against the danger of the landmines are being carried out by the National Demining Center (CND) and the British non-governmental organization “Halo Trust”.
The demining brigades of the Angolan Armed Forces, as well as the 4th and 6th Demining brigades of the Military House of the President of the Republic suspended the process for technical reasons. AS/PLB/DOJ
