Nine killed in Laos by unexploded munitions of war

Vientiane, Nov 20 (Prensa Latina) Nine people died in Laos between January and last October, victims of accidents related to unexploded ordnance left over from the US war of aggression (1964-1973), according to media reports today.

November 20, 2024
09:05

The number of wounded in the same period amounted to 39, while 5,256 hectares were cleared of such devices, 70 percent of the target figure.

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandoneat released the details in the eighth session of the 9th Legislature of the National Assembly (Parliament), where he assured that the government is working hard to clear unexploded ordnance (UXO) from agricultural land and residential areas.

According to the National Regulatory Authority for UXO Mine Action Sector, the executive aims to clear unexploded ordnance from 100,000 hectares by 2030 and to survey 250,000 hectares for buried munitions of war.

UXO mines contaminate many areas of the country and are an obstacle to development, preventing land use for agriculture, industry, tourism, and road construction.

Laos Vientiane Times newspaper recalled in releasing the information, is the most bombed country in the world per capita.

jav/oda/mpm