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On April 24 2011, two MAG Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts destroyed two Mk 83 High Explosive bombs equipped with Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance systems, and two High Explosive AGM 65 Maverick missiles in a controlled demolition at the crash site of a US Air Force jet that came down outside the city of Benghazi on 22 March.
Prior to destruction, the bombs and missiles presented a significant explosive hazard as the site was located on farmland two kilometres from the airport and about 500 metres from several homes.
Providing independent and neutral technical advice and guidance to the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) in Benghazi, Andy Gleeson, MAG’s senior technical expert who has been in Libya since 4 April, was asked to check the site of the crash for any unexploded ordnance (UXO). Along with another experienced member of MAG’s technical team, Paul Brown, who arrived from MAG’s Sudan programme to assist with the emergency response capacity in Libya, Andy conducted a controlled demolition on the missiles.
The remains of the burned-out jet were buried In the crater generated by the blast.
Additionally, MAG has been assessing the level of contamination in Ajdabiya and is currently dealing with an unexploded 106mm tank shell lodged in a propane gas storage container. The next task will be to deal with an unexploded FAB 500 aircraft bomb situated close to the airport and also check for dangers associated with a crashed MIG jet.
MAG attended the first Mine Action Coordination meeting held in Benghazi on 25 April and chaired by UNMAS and has been assigned an Area of Operations from Benghazi to Ajdabiya, dealing with bombed and unsecured Ammunition Storage Points (ASPs) and EOD spot tasks. MAG continues to coordinate its activities in Libya with UNMAS and all other Mine Action operators.
