Lao, Russian army units clear unexploded ordnance from 18.2 hectares in Viengxay

Lao and Russian army personnel have removed unexploded wartime munitions from 18.2 hectares of land in Viengxay district, Huaphan province, enhancing safety and supporting development in the area.
The achievement was reported at a ceremony held on March 24 to mark the completion of the 2024-2025 humanitarian project in Viengxay district, carried out by the International Mine Action Centre of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and the Lao People’s Army, which began in November 2024.

Dr Khampheng Saysompheng and other officials inspect unexploded ordnance on display at a ceremony marking the completion of the Laos-Russia UXO clearance project in Viengxay district on March 24.

The event was attended by the Governor of Huaphan province, Dr Khampheng Saysompheng; Deputy Minister of National Defence and Head of the UXO Clearance and Destruction Steering Committee for Viengxay and Xamneua districts, Major General Pasith Thiengtham; Military Attaché Counselor at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Laos, Colonel Likhachev Andrei; and representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, relevant ministries, central and provincial authorities, and other stakeholders.
Deputy Head of the Office of Army Staff and Chief of the Lao-Russian UXO clearance operation, Colonel Patthana Bouttichack, said personnel from the two ministries cleared unexploded ordnance from five sites on 18.2 hectares of land between November 11, 2024, and March 15, 2025.
A total of 64 unexploded devices were located and deactivated in 19 controlled detonations, including 52 BLU-26, one BLU-24, and 11 other items. On March 24, an additional 268 devices were deactivated and safely disposed of, including nine rockets, four grenades, 137 large bullets, and 118 artillery fuses.
Dr Khampheng said Lao-Russian cooperation in UXO clearance is of profound significance, as it reflects the longstanding collaborative relationship between the two nations, built on mutual support.
The removal of potentially lethal munitions will help reduce the number of accidents and fatalities caused by UXO in Viengxay district.
“The initiative will enable land to be used for productive purposes, such as the development of infrastructure and improvement of local communities’ livelihoods, thereby enhancing the quality of life for residents,” he said.
Major General Pasith praised the collaborative effort and reaffirmed Laos’ commitment to working with Russia to remove unexploded munitions and help foster development in Huaphan province.
In 2025-2026, the Lao Ministry of National Defence aims to remove UXO from four new sites spanning 78 hectares. Preparations will begin in June, with clearance starting in November.
Other aspects of the operation include providing assistance to people injured in UXO accidents, improving the circulation of information, and sourcing aid for UXO clearance from other countries.
The Lao and Russian Ministries of National Defence have been working together in this field for the past six years.
In Khamkeuth district, Borikamxay province, joint operations took place from 2018-19; in Paek district, Xieng Khuang province, from 2019-21; in Nakai district, Khammuan province, from 2021-23; and in Kasy district, Vientiane province, from 2019-20 and 2023-24, when explosive devices were removed from 194.04 hectares of land and 3,548 items were deactivated.
In recognition of their efforts, the Lao Ministry of Defence awarded Second Class Bravery Medals to eight Russian personnel, Third Class Bravery Medals to nine others, and Friendship Medals to five more. Russia also presented medals to Lao personnel for their contributions.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update March 26, 2025)