200kg wartime bomb safely handled near Vietnam-Laos border

PeaceTrees Vietnam’s mobile Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team No. 1 neutralized the bomb in Lia Commune, Quang Tri Province, on Wednesday morning.

The bomb, discovered during riverbank reinforcement work, measured 1.54 meters in length and 274 millimeters in diameter, containing over 87 kilograms of explosives, posing a serious risk to local residents.

Authorities from the Thanh border guard station, the provincial Military Command, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and local defense units coordinated the destruction plan.

Controlled burning was chosen to allow the explosives to burn slowly, reducing noise and vibration while ensuring safety.

Residents within the danger zone were evacuated.

After nearly an hour, the bomb was destroyed without incident, removing the threat to the community.

PeaceTrees Vietnam, headquartered in both Quang Tri and Seattle, Washington, is dedicated to addressing the legacy of the American war in Vietnam through mine action, community assistance, and citizen diplomacy.