Lebanese Army Begins Clearing Unexploded Ordnance in Beirut's Haret Hreik
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BEIRUT — A specialized unit of the Lebanese army began dismantling unexploded aerial munitions in the Haret Hreik neighborhood of southern Beirut on Saturday, marking a significant phase in the cleanup effort following recent Israeli airstrikes. The operation, which commenced at approximately 10:40 a.m. local time, targets ordnance left behind in the densely populated area.
Soldiers equipped with protective gear and specialized detection equipment moved into the sector to identify and neutralize the hazardous devices. The munitions are remnants of aerial attacks conducted by Israeli forces in the region. The presence of unexploded ordnance poses a severe risk to residents attempting to return to their homes and to humanitarian workers providing aid in the aftermath of the conflict.
Haret Hreik, a residential district in the southern suburbs of the capital, has been heavily impacted by the ongoing hostilities. The Lebanese army's intervention aims to secure the area and facilitate the safe return of displaced civilians. Military officials stated that the operation is being conducted with extreme caution to prevent accidental detonations that could cause further casualties or damage to surrounding infrastructure.
The cleanup effort is part of a broader initiative to restore stability to Beirut following weeks of intense fighting. The specialized unit is working in coordination with civil defense teams to ensure that all identified threats are neutralized before the area is declared safe for public access. Residents who have been displaced are expected to begin returning once the military confirms the sector is free of unexploded devices.
Local authorities have urged caution among residents who may attempt to return to the area prematurely. The presence of unexploded ordnance remains a critical concern, with the potential for hidden devices to remain active for extended periods. The army has established cordons around the affected zones to prevent unauthorized access while the operation is underway.
The operation in Haret Hreik is expected to continue for several days, depending on the number of munitions identified and the complexity of the neutralization process. The Lebanese army has not provided a specific timeline for the completion of the cleanup, citing the unpredictable nature of the task. As the military works to clear the area, questions remain regarding the extent of the damage and the long-term impact on the community's infrastructure.
The situation in Beirut remains fluid, with the potential for further developments as the cleanup operation progresses. The focus now shifts to ensuring the safety of the population and the successful restoration of the neighborhood.