Latest News

January 2025

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Stay informed with the most up-to-date developments in the Explosive Ordnance (EO) sector. From breakthroughs in technology to critical global updates, this column delivers timely insights that matter.

EOKHUB team

2024 -2025

#1 December 2024 Bulgaria

Bulgarian Armed Forces Clear Over 50 UXO Threats in 2024

The Special Forces Groups of the Bulgarian Armed Forces successfully conducted over 50 operations in 2024 to safely neutralise unexploded ordnance (UXO) found in various settlements across the country, the Ministry of Defence reported on Monday.

In a recent operation, military personnel safely disposed of a hand grenade discovered during a garage cleanup in Sofia. These efforts underscore the Bulgarian Army's commitment to public safety and rapid response to explosive threats.

Link: https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/807345-bulgarian-armed-forces-successfully-complete-over-50-unexploded-ordnance-disposa

^{Photo credit | Bulgarian MoD}

News is the first rough draft of history."

Philip L. Graham

#2 December 2024 Lebanon

Following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, displaced residents are gradually returning to southern Lebanon. However, demining operations have been put on hold due to the growing urgency of addressing humanitarian needs, leaving unexploded ordnance (UXO) threats unaddressed.

This situation poses a significant risk to the safety of returning civilians, complicating efforts to ensure a secure resettlement process. In response to these challenges, Folkekirkens Nødhjælp (DanChurchAid) is making efforts to reopen its office in Tyre to support local initiatives and assist in overcoming the hurdles posed by UXO while addressing the region’s pressing humanitarian needs..

Folkekirkens Nødhjælp (DanChurchAid) in Lebanon

^{Photo credit | Folkekirkens Nødhjælp (DanChurchAi}^d)

#3 January 2025 Syria

SNHR: Landmines Kill Over 3,500 Civilians in Syria Since 2011

The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) reports 3,521 civilian deaths, including 931 children, due to landmines in Syria from 2011 to 2024. Over 10,400 injuries, many severe, have also been documented.

Landmines, planted by all conflict parties, remain a major threat, obstructing relief efforts, reconstruction, and civilian safety. Syria has consistently recorded the highest global landmine casualties in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for clearance and protection measures.

War remnants of unexploded ordnance and landmines in Syria - December 12, 2024 (Syria Civil Defence)

#4 January 2025 Ukraine

Ukrainian Veterans Trained in Humanitarian Demining

Former Ukrainian soldiers injured in combat are gaining new skills through a humanitarian demining project led by FSD, the UNDP, and the Ukrainian Ministry of Economy. The program trains veterans, including Oleksandr and 11 others, in demining techniques tailored to their health conditions, such as using drones and remote-controlled machines.

With one-third of Ukraine contaminated by landmines and explosive remnants of war, this initiative addresses the urgent demand for qualified deminers while supporting veterans' reintegration into civilian life. “This programme gives me new skills and a renewed sense of purpose,” Oleksandr shared.

#5 January 2025 Yemen

UNMHA: Landmine Incidents Persist in Yemen's Hudaydah

The United Nations Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) reported seven landmine and explosive remnants of war (ERW) incidents in Hudaydah Governorate during December. These incidents resulted in six fatalities, including two boys, and injuries to seven others, including six boys.

The incidents occurred in Ad Durayhimi, Al-Hali, and Al Hawak districts, highlighting the ongoing threat to civilians. Hudaydah remains heavily impacted by explosive devices due to past heavy fighting and continued conflict along its southern frontlines.

^{Photo credit https://unmha.unmissions.org/}

#6 Poland January 2025

Polish General Dismissed After Missing Anti-Tank Mines Found in IKEA Warehouse

On January 9, 2025, the Polish Ministry of Defense announced the dismissal of Major General Artur Kępczyński, Head of the Support Inspectorate, citing a decision made by the Minister of Defense.

The dismissal followed the discovery of 240 misplaced TM-62M anti-tank mines near an IKEA warehouse in Orla, northeastern Poland. Kępczyński was responsible for managing the military’s logistics support system, including overseeing the storage and transportation of munitions.

The incident reportedly originated in June 2024 when soldiers failed to unload part of a train carrying over 1,000 tons of explosives. The mines were inadvertently left on board and circulated around the country before being misplaced. False information about the inventory was allegedly recorded, and the missing mines went unnoticed until officials at the IKEA warehouse contacted the military to inquire about the mines' collection.

Local media linked Kępczyński to an alleged cover-up of the disappearance, which was not reported to superiors. The discovery prompted an investigation that remains ongoing, according to the prosecutor's office.

Link: https://www.politico.eu/article/poland-general-fired-after-missing-anti-tank-mines-were-found-in-ikea/

Photo: Illustration purpose only