UNSMIL
United Nations Support Mission in Libya
UNSMIL
United Nations Support Mission in Libya

UNSMIL supports mine action in Misratah

  • 25 October 2025
A high-angle shot looking down into a shallow, dug-out pit in dry, rocky desert soil. Inside the pit, approximately five to six large, rusted cylindrical munitions (likely large-caliber artillery shells or rockets) are carefully laid out in a row. They are resting on top of white and yellow sandbags, likely placed there to stabilize the ordnance or prepare it for controlled demolition or safe transport. The surrounding area is barren desert scrubland.
UNSMIL

MISRATAH - UNSMIL’s Mine Action Programme (UNMAS) and the Libyan Mine Action Centre (LibMAC) jointly conducted, on Wednesday, quality assurance procedures on the safe demolition of two tonnes of explosive remnants of war carried out by national and international partners in the Kararim area of Misratah.

“We felt a sense of relief,” said Fatma Zourrig, Head of UNSMIL’s Mine Action Programme. “Clearance and the safe disposal of explosive remnants of war, help reducing risks and supporting communities live more safely,” she added.

UNMAS and LibMAC have also conducted a quality control visit to the site of the 31 August ammunition storage explosion incident in Misrata, where clearance activities are being implemented under a project funded by the Government of Italy. The project aims to reduce the threat posed by explosive ordnance, protect civilians, and strengthen national mine action capacities, which are key elements in promoting sustainable peace, stability, and Libyan ownership within the mine action sector.

Developed by LibMAC with technical support from the UNSMIL Mine Action Programme, the response plan to the Misratah ammunition storage explosion was launched on 1 September, with several mine action NGOs, supported by various donor states, carrying out clearance operations and risk education activities in the field.

“Mine action is essential,” added Zourrig. “Since January 2025, 44 people have been recorded victim including 18 children. We must continue this work. Everyone has the right to safety, to life, and to freedom of movement.”

Two field operators are shown in the midst of handling the ordnance. Both men are wearing light grey uniforms, caps, and distinct blue protective body armor vests. They are wearing heavy-duty gloves and are carefully passing a rusted projectile from one person standing on the ground to another standing on the bed of an orange utility truck. The truck features a cage-like barrier behind the cab and a red flag attached to a pole, serving as a safety warning signal.
UNSMIL
A wider shot of the operation site under bright sunlight. In the foreground, two individuals (a man and a woman) are seen from behind; the man is wearing a black vest with "UNMAS" lettering, and the woman is wearing a white shirt with blue protective gear. They appear to be supervising or documenting the work. In the background, the orange truck is parked with its tailgate down, and the bed is now loaded with several of the rusted munitions. The landscape extends into a flat, horizon-less desert.
UNSMIL
A high-angle shot looking down into a shallow, dug-out pit in dry, rocky desert soil. Inside the pit, approximately five to six large, rusted cylindrical munitions (likely large-caliber artillery shells or rockets) are carefully laid out in a row. They are resting on top of white and yellow sandbags, likely placed there to stabilize the ordnance or prepare it for controlled demolition or safe transport. The surrounding area is barren desert scrubland.
UNSMIL
Two field operators are shown in the midst of handling the ordnance. Both men are wearing light grey uniforms, caps, and distinct blue protective body armor vests. They are wearing heavy-duty gloves and are carefully passing a rusted projectile from one person standing on the ground to another standing on the bed of an orange utility truck. The truck features a cage-like barrier behind the cab and a red flag attached to a pole, serving as a safety warning signal.
UNSMIL
A wider shot of the operation site under bright sunlight. In the foreground, two individuals (a man and a woman) are seen from behind; the man is wearing a black vest with "UNMAS" lettering, and the woman is wearing a white shirt with blue protective gear. They appear to be supervising or documenting the work. In the background, the orange truck is parked with its tailgate down, and the bed is now loaded with several of the rusted munitions. The landscape extends into a flat, horizon-less desert.
UNSMIL
A high-angle shot looking down into a shallow, dug-out pit in dry, rocky desert soil. Inside the pit, approximately five to six large, rusted cylindrical munitions (likely large-caliber artillery shells or rockets) are carefully laid out in a row. They are resting on top of white and yellow sandbags, likely placed there to stabilize the ordnance or prepare it for controlled demolition or safe transport. The surrounding area is barren desert scrubland.
UNSMIL
Two field operators are shown in the midst of handling the ordnance. Both men are wearing light grey uniforms, caps, and distinct blue protective body armor vests. They are wearing heavy-duty gloves and are carefully passing a rusted projectile from one person standing on the ground to another standing on the bed of an orange utility truck. The truck features a cage-like barrier behind the cab and a red flag attached to a pole, serving as a safety warning signal.
UNSMIL
A wider shot of the operation site under bright sunlight. In the foreground, two individuals (a man and a woman) are seen from behind; the man is wearing a black vest with "UNMAS" lettering, and the woman is wearing a white shirt with blue protective gear. They appear to be supervising or documenting the work. In the background, the orange truck is parked with its tailgate down, and the bed is now loaded with several of the rusted munitions. The landscape extends into a flat, horizon-less desert.
UNSMIL
A high-angle shot looking down into a shallow, dug-out pit in dry, rocky desert soil. Inside the pit, approximately five to six large, rusted cylindrical munitions (likely large-caliber artillery shells or rockets) are carefully laid out in a row. They are resting on top of white and yellow sandbags, likely placed there to stabilize the ordnance or prepare it for controlled demolition or safe transport. The surrounding area is barren desert scrubland.
UNSMIL

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The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) aims to facilitate an inclusive political process, support ceasefire implementation, and advance national reconciliation. The Security Council, through resolution 2796 (2025), renewed its mandate until 31 October 2026.