Libyan Army Chief of Staff and UN Official Review Mine Clearance Plans Across Libya

Libyan Army Chief of Staff Salah Al-Din Al-Namroush met with Fatima Zreig, Director of the United Nations Mine Action Service in Libya, to discuss comprehensive plans for removing landmines and explosive remnants of war across the country. The meeting, held at Al-Namroush's office, focused on strengthening coordination between Libyan military authorities and international mine action experts to address one of the most pressing security challenges facing the North African nation.

Main Facts and Key Details

The discussions centered on enhancing cooperation in implementing mine clearance programs and related operational plans throughout Libya. Both sides emphasized the urgent need to protect civilians, support security and stability in all regions, and continue joint cooperation through the exchange of expertise. The meeting also reviewed specialized training programs aimed at improving the skills and efficiency of technical personnel working in mine action, in accordance with approved technical standards and in cooperation with relevant international organizations.

The meeting comes on the heels of a recent training initiative in which 30 officers from the Libyan Army's Weapons and Ammunition Management Directorate completed two courses on the safe handling and storage of weapons and ammunition between April 26 and May 7. Delivered by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya's Mine Action Section, the courses combined classroom instruction with practical exercises based on international guidelines and were held at the Ministry of Defence compound in Tripoli. Evaluation results showed significant improvement in participants' practical skills applicable to improving storehouse management procedures.

Reactions and Context

Officials from the Libyan Ministry of Defence, during a closing ceremony for the recent training program, welcomed the United Nations' continued support and called for further training sessions, follow-up assessments, and advanced courses on weapons and ammunition management. The UN Mine Action Service has maintained a sustained presence in Libya, working alongside national authorities to reduce the threat posed by unexploded ordnance and unsecured ammunition stockpiles that have accumulated over more than a decade of conflict.

Libya remains one of the most mine-affected countries in the region, with vast areas contaminated by landmines and explosive remnants of war dating back to World War II, the 2011 revolution, and subsequent armed conflicts. The proliferation of unsecured weapons stockpiles continues to pose a direct threat to civilian lives and hampers reconstruction and development efforts across the country.

Challenges and Outlook

Safe and secure weapons and ammunition management remains critical in Libya, where years of instability have contributed to the widespread proliferation of unsecured stockpiles, increasing risks to civilians and communities. Strengthening national capacities in ammunition management is an important component of broader efforts to enhance security, strengthen state institutions, and support long-term stability.

Experts note that sustained international cooperation, continued funding for mine action programs, and the development of Libyan technical expertise will be essential to making meaningful progress. The partnership between the Libyan military and UN mine action specialists represents a critical step toward building a national framework capable of addressing the country's extensive mine and explosive contamination challenges in the years ahead.