With mechanical, manual and dog demining and non-technical studies, the National Army is conducting the decontamination of the municipalities of Mapiripán, Vista Hermosa, Mesetas and San Juan de Arama, Meta.
The work carried out by soldiers of the Humanitarian Demining Engineer Battalion No.4, have led to the decontamination of about 50,000 square meters of suspected anti-personnel mines, favoring livestock and agricultural activities carried out in these four municipalities.
In addition to the clearance, members of the Military Forces have destroyed seven explosive devices that put the inhabitants at risk.
Lieutenant Colonel Diego Fernando Reina Garzón, commander of Humanitarian Demining Engineer Battalion No. 4, highlighted “The department of Meta reports 1,142 victims due to explosive devices, a reason that encourages us to fulfill the mission of saving lives. In the Ariari region we implemented the three techniques to conduct quality operations.”
It is worth mentioning that the purpose for this year in that region is to clear 230,000 square meters, benefiting more than 64,000 residents who will be able to walk peacefully in their territories.
This operation is in the same way complemented by the mine risk education provided by the promoters on the different villages, thus promoting safe behaviors and mitigating the risk posed by explosive devices.
Source: Press - Humanitarian Demining Brigade