Four hundred and 46 mortar mines of different calibers were removed in the Huíla province, from January to the present date, by the National Demining Center (CND), observing an increase of 279 devices, compared to the same period in 2022
The information was given to ANGOP yesterday, Tuesday, by the acting spokesperson of the CND of Huíla, Fernando Katyavala, highlighting that 3,340 metals, 1,828 pieces of ammunition, two anti- personnel and an anti-tank mine.
Compared to the same period in 2022, there was an increase of 622 metals, 456 munitions, 476 less anti-personnel mines collected and an equal number of anti-tank mines removed, in a verified area of 885 thousand 590 square meters.
Fernando Katyavala justified that the increase in lethal materials removed and collected was due to the commitment of CND-Huíla, in raising awareness among 9 thousand and 998 people, including children, young people and adults, about the risks of mines in the 14 municipalities of the province .
Regarding mine incidents, he highlighted the record of five cases from April to December, which resulted in five deaths and the same number of injuries, aged between five and 67 years, in the municipalities of Lubango, Gambos, which, after collecting the mines explosives and due to lack of knowledge they tried to open it. The CND in the province of Huíla controls 17 minefields.