Over 120 explosive devices were found in Palmyra by Russian EOD specialists. And this is only the beginning. Specialists have begun demining the historical part of the ancient town. The terrorists did their best — they placed mines almost everywhere before they retreated, including memorials of world cultural heritage. Our very own reporter in Syria, Evgeny Poddubny is watching Russian EOD specialists at work.
Russian EOD specialists are in Palmyra again. Specialists from the International Anti-mine Center of Russia's Armed Forces started to work in the ancient town. Engineers will have to check every meter of the historical part of Palmyra, so that archeologists could gain access to historical monuments; and of populated areas, so that civilians can return to their homes. Every building in Palmyra has two words on it, "no mines". But this information is no longer valid. This was written by EOD specialists a little under a year ago during the first liberation of Palmyra.
Now all that work has to be done again. A total of 187 members of the military from Russia's Anti-mine Center arrived in Tadmur. Not only metal detectors are used for demining, but also jamming devices, so that landmines aren't activated by a radio signal. EOD specialists also use explosive detectors that help to spot explosive substances. Before demining Palmyra, Aleksander took part in demining parts of Aleppo. He says that there are some experienced engineers working with ISIS here.
Even an experienced soldier might not realize that it's a DIY explosive in front of him. They disguise them as anything, even rocks. Even this rock can be potentially dangerous. So every object in the surrounding landscape, in the interior, might be a landmine? -Like what about this barrel? -Yes, absolutely anything can be a landmine. Any box on the ground may hide a landmine under it. Dozens of landmines have been detected in Palmyra. They were placed by the pseudo-califate during their retreat. Cordon off the zone. Here's a regular Palmyra street with a handmade explosive device right on the roadside.
ISIS terrorists made this landmine using a 60 mm casing from an American mine. Russian engineers are destroying the landmine. Most landmines and ammunition that didn't explode get destroyed by EOD specialists on the spot. There are no civilians on the streets of Tadmur at this time. Pressure charge is placed on top of the explosive, then the explosive demolition occurs. More powerful landmines that can't be destroyed get neutralized and transported to a firing range. There are two activation methods — electrical, you can see the wires here; and the burning method. Everything is fastened to an electrical detonator that weighs about 100 kg.
At this time it's unclear how much time it will take the specialists from the Anti-mine Center to neutralize all explosive devices, that were placed by the militants.
