Operation Render Safe 2024 – Set to Commence Next Week.

Specialist explosive ordnance disposal teams and supporting air assets have started to arrive in the Solomon Islands this week ahead of Operation Render Safe 2024.

Over the coming days, more than 250 explosive ordnance specialists, from over eight countries will deploy to Western Province to identify and destroy explosive remnants of war remaining from World War II.

At the request of the Solomon Islands Government, the Australian Defence Force and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force will lead a joint multinational team of experts from Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

This will be the largest land-based Render Safe Operation ever conducted and will focus on removing explosive remnants of war from key areas in Western Province including Munda, Kolombangara, Kohinggo, and Vona Vona.

The mission will be conducted across three land and two maritime areas of operation and supported by air assets between Honiara and Western Province including C-130J Hercules, C-17 Globemaster, and MV-22 Osprey aircraft.

2024 marks the 20th year of Operation Render Safe, which is an ADF-led enduring commitment to removing the danger posed by World War II-era explosive remnants of war in Pacific Island countries.

Disposal of explosive remnants of war will:

• reduce the likelihood of casualties;
• provide families and communities with access to more land for food cultivation and infrastructure;
• provide a safer environment around villages and schools; and
• help to improve the conditions for economic development in the future.

Operation Render Safe 2024 will be conducted in Western Province from the end of August until mid-September.

-AHCSI Press Release