On Thursday, the United Nations Mission for Stabilization in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the National Police of Haiti (PNH) carried-out a joint operation of controlled destruction by explosion, of 8.3 tons of obsolete munitions and explosives in the zone of Balan (Ganthier) east of Port-au-Prince.

Evaluated by two representatives of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), "Ammunition consisted of bullets, grenades, but also rockets," indicated Richard Boulter, Chief Weapons and Ammunition Management Advisor of the UNMAS, who led the operation.

"Among the destroyed ammunitions were lethal and non-lethal ammunition and explosives such as bullets for pistols or rifles, including some seized by the PNH, as well as grenades used in policing and peacekeeping operations," specified Sophie Boutaud de la Combe, the Spokesperson of the Minustah.

Photo : Logan Abassi UN/MINUSTAH

Thirty haitian police officers and firefighters were mobilized alongside fifty and military personnel of the Minustah for this operation.

This ammunition destruction took place in seven stages; with since December 17th Step 1 being site preparation and the launching of an awareness and information campaign aimed at the population of the neighboring area of Ganthier, Balan and the nearby fishing village. A security cordon was installed on December 18th (Step 3), along with transport of munitions (Step 4), and preparation of the 15 pits (Step 5). The actual destruction of munition and explosives (Step 6) took place in several controlled phases beginning at 8:30AM on December 19th.

The immediate rehabilitation of the terrain (including the collection of possible debris and back-filling the pits) as well as site inspection with the relevant authorities (Step 7) are also part of the operation.

"The controlled destruction of obsolete ammunition is the best way to fight against illicit trafficking of explosives and ammunition and, thus, safeguard the lives of security personnel and the public," said Minustah spokesperson, Sophie Boutaud de la Combe, adding that "Today's operation shows the determination of the PNH to continue to professionalize its functioning and minimize risks associated with expired or unusable ammunition".

HL/ HaitiLibre