Society

Vietnam, US beef up post-war cooperation with launching of UXO disposal training range

The two-hectare range broke ground in July 2024, supported by a grant of over 700,000 USD from the US Government. It has classrooms, kitchen and sanitation blocks, assembly zones, mine detection and disposal areas, parking spaces, internal roads, and a calibration zone for mine clearance equipment.

Clearing UXO in central Quang Tri province (Photo: VNA)
Clearing UXO in central Quang Tri province (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – A new training range for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) has recently been inaugurated in Hanoi’s outlying district of Ba Vi, marking another step in the US and Vietnam’s decades-long effort to heal the scars of war.

The facility was funded by the Office of Defence Cooperation (ODC) under the US Embassy in Vietnam, and delivered to the Vietnam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC), as part of Vietnam’s National Mine Action Programme for the 2010–2025 period, which seeks to address the deadly legacy of unexploded bombs and mines left from the war.

The two-hectare range broke ground in July 2024, supported by a grant of over 700,000 USD from the US Government. It has classrooms, kitchen and sanitation blocks, assembly zones, mine detection and disposal areas, parking spaces, internal roads, and a calibration zone for mine clearance equipment.

Designed to meet the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), the range aims to enhance Vietnam’s capacity to safely clear unexploded ordnance (UXO). It is also expected to transform VNMAC into a fully capable national hub for mine action training, enabling more effective training and operations.

The inauguration held special significance, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties and following the recent elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

cu.jpg
Collecting UXO in Ha Giang province in July 2023 (Photo: VNA)

US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper said since 1993, the US has provided a total of 234 million USD for Vietnam’s UXO clearance, dioxin remediation at Da Nang and Bien Hoa airports, and support to people with disabilities. He praised the contributions of the Vietnamese Government and non-governmental organisations, including Norwegian People’s Aid and PeaceTrees Vietnam, which have worked alongside local partners like the Quang Tri Mine Action Centre.

This facility is a testament to the two nations’ shared commitment to peace and security, reinforcing Vietnam’s role as a proactive, responsible member of the international community, he said, adding that the project reflects closer bilateral defence ties, fulfilling a key component of the 2023–2028 defence cooperation plan focused on UXO remediation.

Maj. Gen. Lance Okamura, Deputy Commanding General for the US Army Pacific (USARPAC), called the facility’s opening a major milestone in the ongoing humanitarian mine action programme, and the result of years of meticulous planning./.

VNA
#US Army Pacific #Vietnam’s National Mine Action Programme United States Vietnam
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

Cleaning areas contaminated with bombs and mines in Quang Binh province (Photo: VNA)

Int'l community values Vietnam’s efforts in addressing UXO clearing

President of the Fifth Review Conference of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC), also known as the Ottawa Convention, Ly Thuch on October 9 praised Vietnam's efforts in addressing consequences of unexploded ordnances (UXO), and the country’s achievements in cooperation with other countries and international organisations in this field.

MAG staff conduct bomb and mine clearance activities in Quang Binh (Photo: VNA)

British organisation supports Quang Binh in UXO clearance

The central province of Quang Binh, one of the localities most affected by unexploded ordnance (UXO) left over from the war, has benefited from UXO risk education, survey and clearance activities implemented by British non-governmental organisation Mines Advisory Group (MAG).

See more

A village hit by flash floods in Muong Than commune, Lai Chau province (Photo: VNA)

Floods, landslides wreak havoc on northern mountainous region

Total economic losses were estimated at about 255 billion VND (nearly 9.7 million USD), with Lai Chau accounting for the largest share of the damage with 190 billion VND, followed by Son La with 46.04 billion VND, Lao Cai with 16.7 billion VND, and Dien Bien with 2.3 billion VND.

The particularly serious coach accident, which occurrs at 00:20 in Chuong Duong commune on the Phap Van–Cau Gie–Cao Bo–Mai Son–National Highway 45–Nghi Son route. (Photo published by VNA)

PM orders urgent probe into deadly coach overturn on Hanoi expressway

An official dispatch, issued following the particularly serious coach accident, which occurred at 00:20 a.m. in Chuong Duong Commune on the Phap Van–Cau Gie–Cao Bo–Mai Son–National Highway 45–Nghi Son route, was sent to the ministers of Public Security and Construction, as well as the chairpersons of provincial and municipal People's Committees.

The story of Elza Le Floch, Celeste Perotteau-Giraud, and Wyatt Lelouche is published in the Nice Matin newspaper (Photo published by VNA)

Three young French volunteers embark on humanitarian journey to Vietnam

While many French students have just completed their secondary school examinations and are preparing for their summer break, Elza Le Floch, Celeste Perotteau-Giraud and Wyatt Lelouche have embarked on a different journey. On July 15, the three members of the Scouts and Guides of France group in Menton left Nice for Xuyen Moc in Ho Chi Minh City.

At a classroom for hearing-and-speech impaired children in Bac Ninh province. (Photo: VNA)

Legal assistance project nears finish line with 95% of goals met

Legal support policies only matter when citizens know they exist, can tap into them, and receive quality service. That’s especially true for the poor, the disabled, ethnic minorities, children, domestic violence victims, and those battered by disasters and disease outbreaks.

Efforts to safeguard religious values in digital age

Efforts to safeguard religious values in digital age

Digital transformation is changing not only how people work and communicate but also how they practice their faith. A Buddhist sermon can now attract tens of thousands of online viewers. A Protestant believer in a remote area can join a Bible study class via smartphone. Religious activities once closely tied to places of worship are increasingly taking place in cyberspace.

Delegates tour the facilities of the industrial innovation centre at Eastern International University in Binh Duong ward, Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA)

Digital, AI competencies made mandatory for university graduates

Under Circular No. 54/2026/TT-BGDDT on higher education curricula, learning outcomes must be defined as measurable and assessable competencies, providing the basis for curriculum design, teaching, assessment, quality improvement, credit recognition and degree awarding.

Nguyen Thuy Hang, Director of the Writers Association Publishing House, is questioned at the security agency for investigation under the Hanoi Department of Public Security. (Photo published by VNA)

Publishers detained over alleged anti-State propanganda

The move was made as part of an expanded investigation into a criminal case involving Nguyen Thanh Nam, who is accused of “making, storing, distributing or spreading information, documents and items aimed at sabotaging the State of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.”