HI Clearance Operation in Mount Lebanon

Adnan Araji, the Mine Action Technical Field Manager in Lebanon, explains how we resumed clearance operations in the country and the benefits this brings to the local population.

We were asked to resume operations

HI's clearance activities in Lebanon had been suspended due to the conflict, particularly in South Lebanon. Operations resumed in late March 2026 (around 25–30 March), following a call from Lebanese Mine Action Center to restart work in areas considered safe —  such as Mount Lebanon. We were reportedly the first organisation to restart clearance operations, benefiting from the fact that we were already present in Mount Lebanon and our base there was still operational.

Clearance Progress and Methodology

HI began clearing the initial 10,000 m² zone and found approximately 30 cluster munitions. As additional items were located outside the initial boundaries, the site perimeter was extended accordingly, updating the borders of the hazardous area mapping in real time. The total area to be cleared is now estimated at approximately 30,000 m² (4 football fields).

The team is currently still working on active clearance of the expanded area. Controlled destruction is carried out on-site, with prior notification given to surrounding residents.

Nature of the Contamination

The contamination consists primarily of sub munitions, specifically M42/M43 bomblets. The area was bombed during the 1980’s war, scattering cluster munitions across the site. The contamination was identified and mapped by HI's Non-Technical Survey team, who established a 50-metre safety perimeter around each item found — driving the expansion of the cleared area beyond its initial boundaries.

Strategic Importance of the Site

The cleared land is of significant importance for the local population:
•    A water source supplying several villages is located within or adjacent to the site.
•    Following earlier clearance phases, new buildings and agricultural areas started to be seen on land previously released — a clear indicator of the humanitarian and development impact of the work.

Community Relations

HI ensures necessary coordination with the local communities and local authorities. Liaison is also maintained with  neighbouring residents, who are informed before any controlled explosions take place. Explosive ordnance Risk Education (EORE) sessions are conducted with the surrounding community to raise awareness of the dangers.

Upcoming Activities

In the coming week, HI team is set to begin an assessment of the contamination in the Aley District, covering other minefields assigned to HI by Lebanese authorities, to assess the extent of contamination in preparation for future clearance.

Team Composition

The clearance team currently deployed comprises:

• 6 deminers
•  1 team leader
• 1 site supervisor
• 1 medic / paramedic
• 1 driver

Timeline

The operation is expected to last approximately 3 months or more, depending on the number of items found. The area is considered relatively safe from the ongoing conflict (estimated 90% safe), allowing operations to continue.