More than 180 hectares need to be cleared of mines in Palmyra

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More than 180 hectares need to be cleared of mines in Palmyra - Russian Defense Ministry

MOSCOW. March 31 (Interfax-AVN) - Russian sappers are tasked with demining over 180 hectares in the Syrian city of Palmyra, Russian General Staff Main Operative Department head Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi said on Thursday.

"According to tentative estimates, more than 180 hectares of historical architectural sites and residential areas of the city need to be cleared of mines," Rudskoi said at a press briefing in Moscow.

The mine action is complicated because of a large number of improvised explosive devices planted by terrorist groups in Palmyra in addition to factory-grade mines. "Russian demining robots, Uran-2s, will be used to clear most difficult sections," Rudskoi said.