Gio Linh, Quang Trị (23 October 2024) — A hidden threat lurked beneath the surface of Gio Linh District until it was uncovered by NPA/RENEW teams who are working to clear contaminated areas identified here.
Team member using a handheld detector to check the cache of explosive munitions found on the clearance site. 
Team leader Duong Duc Tam making an inventory of the explosive munitions uncovered from the cache. 
The munitions consist of projectiles, mortars, and other munitions. 
An image of the on-site demolition of all the explosive munitions found during the day.
Just on Wednesday, the multi-task team No. 12 made a significant discovery while clearing a contaminated area in Gio Viet Commune, Gio Linh District. They found a cache of 63 items of explosive ordnance, including projectiles, mortar, and other munitions.
With dedication and expertise, the team safely destroyed all the explosives on-site. Their actions prevented a potential accident and ensured the safety of the local community.
NPA/RENEW teams have been diligently working to clear over a million square meters of hazardous land in Hoang Ha Village, Gio Viet Commune. Since September, our teams have successfully cleared more than 355,000 square meters and destroyed 137 explosive munitions, 35% of which were cluster munitions.
According to the statistics from Quang Tri Mine Action Center, Gio Viet Commune has sustained 17 accidents caused by unexploded ordnance left from the war, of which cluster munitions are the cause of 15 incidents. The latest accident related to cluster munitions occurred on 20 July 2000.
The efforts of NPA/RENEW’s teams will directly benefit 166 villagers of Hoang Ha, including 46 women, 50 men, and 70 children.
NPA/RENEW’s vital work is made possible by the funding of the U.S. government. Their significant support enables our teams to continue our important mission of making communities safer.
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