Bomb disposal using modern, safe methods

At the mine and explosives disposal training ground managed by the Quang Binh Provincial Military Command, the engineering forces of the Quang Binh and Quang Tri Provincial Military Commands and the technical advisor of the Golden West Humanitarian Organization from the United States are discussing, evaluating the types and agreeing on a plan to handle 10 large bombs (including 9 MK 82 bombs) discovered in Quang Binh province. After careful inspection, the forces agreed to use the method of handling using a mobile bomb cutting system directly carried out by the engineering forces of the Quang Tri Provincial Military Command.

The mobile bomb cutting system is considered the most advanced today and has been supported by the Golden West organization to deploy in many countries around the world . The processed bombs are put on the cutting machine to cut the head containing the detonator. The entire bomb cutting process is monitored in the central control room through signal connection from cameras. The bomb head and body after being safely cut will be processed to burn off all the detonator, explosives and retain the steel bomb shell.

Mr. Adan Morones, Technical Advisor and Deputy Director of Training of Golden West Humanitarian Organization informed: "The system is very safe when properly trained and operated by professional people. This system has safely cut and processed tens of thousands of bombs and bullets in the world. This is definitely a superior solution compared to the situation where we are forced to detonate on-site dangerous bombs that cause blast waves and shrapnel, threatening the safety of people and damaging assets and structures".

In 2019, Golden West sponsored a mobile bomb disposal system for the Quang Tri Provincial Military Command to help speed up the progress of mine clearance in the locality. Along with providing equipment, Golden West sent experts to guide and transfer management and operation techniques to engineering officers and staff. Currently, Golden West has deployed mobile bomb disposal systems in a number of localities across the country, of which the Quang Tri Provincial Military Command is one of the first units in the entire army to effectively deploy this system. To date, the engineering force of the Quang Tri Provincial Military Command has safely disposed of 82 large bombs and 241 warheads.

Through direct observation, we realized that the mobile bomb disposal system really brings many outstanding advantages. Previously, when applying the detonation method, forces had to spend a lot of time, manpower, and money to organize security guards to ensure the safety of the scene, transport bombs to the detonation area, and use explosives to detonate the bombs.

In particular, for bombs with mechanical timers, anti-disassembly and anti-movement hanging detonators located in residential areas, the work of evacuating people and property from dangerous areas must be carried out carefully, taking a lot of time and money. "From now on, bombs only need to be put into a cutting machine to separate the bomb's head and body and then ignite the explosives. This process is done quickly, saves manpower and costs, does not cause shock or environmental pollution, and ensures absolute safety," affirmed Lieutenant Colonel Ho Viet Hung, Head of the Engineering Department, General Staff Office of the Quang Tri Provincial Military Command.

After the war, Quang Binh and Quang Tri were the localities with the highest rate of bomb and mine contamination in the country. Currently, the Party Committee, government, armed forces and international organizations are making efforts to clean up bombs, mines and explosives, ensuring the safety of people's lives and property, contributing to economic and social development.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Duy Hung, Head of the Engineering Department, General Staff of the Quang Binh Provincial Military Command, said: "Currently, in Quang Binh province, the number of bombs and ammunition left over from the war is quite large, especially in mountainous areas with difficult roads. In the coming time, if we discover bombs and mines with dangerous detonators, we will continue to coordinate with the engineering force of the Quang Tri Provincial Military Command and the Golden West organization to cut, handle and ensure safety."

Article and photos: MINH TU

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