IRGC Neutralizes Unexploded US Munitions in Zanjan Province
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TEHRAN, Iran (April 26, 2026) — Specialized forces of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) destroyed three U.S. GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs and neutralized 9,500 bomblets in Zanjan Province on Saturday, the military said.
The operation took place in the central Iranian province following the ongoing ceasefire in the U.S.-Israeli military assault against Iran. IRGC engineers identified the munitions as unexploded ordnance left behind during recent hostilities. The GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators are designed to strike deeply buried underground targets.
IRGC officials stated the neutralization efforts were completed to ensure public safety and prevent accidental detonation. The specialized forces used controlled demolition techniques to render the weapons inert. The bomblets, part of cluster munition systems, were dismantled and destroyed in a controlled environment.
Zanjan Province, located northwest of Tehran, has been a site of military activity during the conflict. The presence of unexploded ordnance in populated areas poses significant risks to civilians and infrastructure. Local authorities have cordoned off affected zones while cleanup operations continue.
The U.S. and Israeli military campaigns against Iran involved extensive aerial bombardment targeting strategic facilities. The use of bunker-buster bombs indicates efforts to destroy hardened underground sites. The ceasefire, which came into effect earlier this month, has allowed for humanitarian access and demining operations in affected regions.
Iranian officials have not specified the exact locations within Zanjan Province where the munitions were found. The IRGC did not disclose whether the bombs were intact or damaged prior to neutralization. Questions remain regarding the total number of unexploded ordnance still present in the region.
International demining organizations have expressed concern over the scale of contamination in conflict zones. The presence of cluster munitions and heavy bombs complicates post-conflict recovery efforts. Local communities face long-term displacement as cleanup operations proceed.
The Iranian government has called for international assistance in clearing unexploded ordnance. However, no foreign demining teams have been deployed to Zanjan Province as of Saturday. The IRGC remains the primary force responsible for neutralization efforts.
U.S. and Israeli officials have not commented on the specific munitions destroyed in Zanjan Province. The ceasefire agreement does not address the disposal of unexploded ordnance left behind during the conflict. Diplomatic channels remain open for discussions on humanitarian access and safety measures.
Cleanup operations in Zanjan Province are expected to continue for several weeks. The IRGC has pledged to secure all affected areas before allowing civilian access. The safety of local residents remains a priority as the region recovers from the impact of the military assault.