A pair of team members searching for signals of UXO using a large loop detector on the rice paddy field in Huong Nam Village of Kim Thach Commune, Vinh Linh District. 24 June 2024.

This confirmed contaminated area, spanning four villages across Thach Kim, Trung Nam, and Vinh Thai communes, poses a serious threat towards local communities, who rely on the land for rice, vegetables, and perennial trees.

In just the first two weeks of operation, the NPA/RENEW teams have made significant progress, successfully clearing over 172,000 square meters of land. They have safely disposed of several hazardous items, which included detonating a rocket discovered just 25 centimeters below the surface, along with 32 cluster munitions and 29  other types of explosive ordnance. 

Following is a footage of the teams’ detonation of the rocket found on the rice paddy field on Monday, 24 June 2024.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ec2NC3kxuo

NPA/RENEW Teams Clear Contaminated Land for Safer Future in Vinh Linh District

The total area that needs to be cleared is nearly 1.4 million square meters. When completed in December 2024, the land will be handed over to local communities, free from explosive ordnance threats and allow for safe and productive use of the land, fostering further development in the locality.

Team member using a handheld detector to investigate marked signals on the clearance site. Huong Nam Village of Kim Thach Commune, Vinh Linh District. 24 June 2024.

The success of this operation will have a significant positive impact on the lives of 1,277 people, including 327 men, 368 women, 306 boys, and 276 girls. A safer future for families and the entire community is within reach thanks to NPA/RENEW’s dedication.

We express our sincere gratitude to the governments of the United States and Norway for their ongoing support of NPA/RENEW mine action work in Quang Tri Province. This collaboration plays a vital role in keeping residents safe and allowing communities to thrive.