Operation targets WWII bombs in East New Britain

A multinational military team has begun a major operation in East New Britain Province to remove and dispose of unexploded World War Two ordnance still posing risks to local communities.

The operation, known as Operation Render Safe 2026, is hosted by the PNG Defence Force and involves personnel from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and soon India.

Welcoming the contingent, East New Britain Provincial Administrator Levi Mano thanked the participating countries for their continued support and partnership.

Mr Mano said although the operation is linked to the legacy of war, the people of East New Britain appreciate the assistance being provided to make communities safer.

Director of Disaster and Emergency Services Donald Tokunai said residents continue to report discoveries of unexploded ordnance nearly 50 years after the war.

“They came in last year to identify the locations of the ordnances and this year they’re here to remove and dispose of those UXOs,” he said.

Operation Render Safe 2026 Liaison Officer Captain Jeffery Sios said the Australian Defence Force-led mission focuses on locating and disposing of World War Two explosive remnants across the Southwest Pacific to improve community safety.

Australian Defence Force Contingent Commander Major Joseph Gurung said this year marks the 22nd year of the program and the second operation conducted in East New Britain.

He said a 2011 operation removed 2,087 war remnants, while last year’s team identified 1,663 explosive items across the province.
This year, 150 personnel are participating in the operation, which will run for the next three to four weeks.

Provincial authorities have urged the public to report any wartime bombs or suspicious objects to ward councillors, local-level governments, district authorities or the Provincial Disaster Office.