Russian sappers demined over 180 hectares of Palmyra since April 1 TASS 31304161

Defence & Security News - The conflict in Syria

Russian sappers demined over 180 hectares of Palmyra since April 1

Russian sappers have cleared more than 180 hectares of Syria’s Palmyra of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) since April 1, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told journalists on Tuesday.

Russian sappers have cleared more than 180 hectares of Palmyra

"Over 30 km of roads and more than 182 hectares of land have been cleared of mines and 2,987 explosive objects have been lifted since April 1," he said during a conference call with the armed forces leadership at the National Defense Control Center.

He said the Russian Armed Forces International Mine Action Center had formed a demining detachment to clear the historical part of Palmyra of explosive objects. "The detachment is looking for and lifting mines, using up-to-date robotic equipment," the defense minister said, adding that special operators are providing security for the detachment.

A field hospital was deployed to Palmyra to provide timely medical assistance to the Russian force, if needed.

"It [the hospital] is furnished with up-to-date medical equipment and designed for 30 days of self-sustained operation," the defense minister said. "Both Syrian troops and local population, who started returning to Palmyra, may go to the hospital, if need be," Shoigu added.