UXO staff inspect the deactivated bomb.   --Photo Attapeu News

UXO Lao team deactivate 227kg wartime bomb in Attapeu

TA UXO Lao team in Attapeu province last week neutralised an MK82 GPLD bomb weighing an estimated 500 pounds (227 kilogrammes) after it was unearthed in Meunhouameuang village, Samakhixay district.
The team informed local residents of the discovery of the bomb and warned them to be vigilant when working or walking in the area where it was found in case similar munitions might be present, according to a report in the Attapeu News.
The deputy head of UXO Lao in Attapeu province, Mr Xaysettha Phosalard, said the team began clearance work on 17 hectares of land in Meunhouameuang village on March 2, and found the huge MK82 GPLD bomb on March 13.
The team considered the potential danger posed by the bomb and estimated that 152 people in 22 families were in harm’s way if it should explode while it was being removed.
They were advised to move away from the area while the bomb was taken out of the ground, as an explosion could cause severe injury or kill anyone within a radius of 1,500 metres, Mr Xaysettha said.
The bomb disposal team and local authorities set up checkpoints at 11 locations to ensure no person or vehicle was in the area before the bomb was removed and safely deactivated.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update March 23, 2026 )