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CJTF-HOA EOD planner observes de-mining operations

USMC News

Story Identification Number: 200331413956
Story by Cpl. Andrew W. Miller

DJIBOUTI(March 14, 2003) -- Gunnery Sgt. Mark "Toby" Tobias, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) planner, recently conducted an observation of RONCO de-mining operations in Djibouti.

RONCO is a U.S. based de-mining firm that has developed an integrated humanitarian de-mining system and is funded by the U.S. state department.

The threat of mines throughout the continent of Africa is great, according to Tobias. He said most of the mines in Djibouti were laid in the late 1980s and 90s by the Djiboutian Army.

"For this particular trip my objective was to gather information," said the Baton Rouge native.

Traveling to the cities of Khor Angar, Moulhoule, Tadjourah and Obock, Tobias accompanied RONCO project manager Ray Getchell in assessing the RONCO de-mining procedures, capabilities and operational areas.

So far, the structure of organizations working the mine fields in Djibouti include: the Djiboutian Army Engineers, the Djiboutian Mine Action Center and RONCO.

Tobias noted that progress had been made, but much work is still needed.

In Kohr Angar, 145 anti-personel mines (M-969), had been laid in 1989. De-mining there began in 2002, and to date, 128 mines have been removed. Approximately 17 more are expected to be removed and the projected completion date is March 2003.

A littered mine field was the situation in Moulhoule. This site originally had an unknown number of mines and was completely cleared one year ago.

"This site will probably require another de-mining operation," said Tobias.

He observed that in Obock, no mine plan was set. This city has had numerous casualties from mines including both civilians and livestock. Attempts were made by the French in 1995, 1996 and 1998 to clear the field, but even today, mines are still visible. According to Tobias, recommendations were made to start over at phase one with no definite completion date set.

Tadjourah has two different sites. At the first site, two mines were found only a meter apart from each other. Plans are in the making to clear and check this area. The second site contains a minefield that surrounds a reservoir. The road is washed out and the locals do not have access to the reservoir. For this, RONCO is requesting assistance to help rebuild the road for the locals.