New Zealand's Defence Force has sent 21 bomb disposal experts to Solomon Islands to aid in the removal of "potentially dangerous" unexploded Second World War explosives.
NZ Army Land EOD teams conduct explosive ordinance reconnaissance and removal on the island of Kohingo in the Solomon Islands. Photo: NZ Defence Force
NZDF will be assisting both Australian Defence Force and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force personnel.
A reconnaissance of the Western Province found an estimated 500 items so sending both maritime and land experts meant objects both underwater and on land could be dealt with, Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Rear Admiral Jim Gilmour said.
"This operation not only assists the people of the Solomon Islands by removing potentially dangerous remnants of war, but provides real world clearance experience for our teams," Mr Gilmour said in a statement.
The RNZN dive team assist the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force by conducting unexploded ordinance clearance along the shores of the island of Kohingo. Photo: NZ Defence Force
The NZDF last supported such an operation in 2016, when a unit worked with a Canadian detachment to destroy 50 unexploded Second World War-era munitions, including a 250-pound bomb.
The current operation will run for two weeks.
The RNZN dive team assist the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force by conducting unexploded ordinance clearance along the shores of the island of Kohingo in the Solomon Islands. NZDF EOD personnel undergo integration training on board the HMAS Adelaide as they prepare for OP Render Safe 19. Photo: NZ Defence Force