site.btaBulgarian Armed Forces Successfully Complete Over 50 Unexploded Ordnance Disposal Tasks in 2024

In 2024, the Special Forces Groups of the Bulgarian Armed Forces successfully completed over 50 tasks related to the destruction of unexploded ordnance found in different settlements, the Ministry of Defence said here on Monday.

Over 2,430 military personnel from different branches of the Bulgarian Army took part in firefighting operations across the country. Aircrews from the Air Force conducted over 330 hours of flights with AS 532 AL Cougar and Mi-17 helicopters, carrying out more than 2,030 water drops to combat the fires.

From January to December 30, 2024, Air Force personnel also participated in three special missions to transport medical teams in donor situations and completed seven successful air medical evacuations of critically ill patients using Spartan planes and Cougar helicopters.

"Along with their daily combat training, participation in exercises, missions, and operations, the people of the Bulgarian Army are always ready to help the population in any critical situation," the Ministry of Defence added.

Earlier on Monday, military personnel neutralized a hand grenade found during garage cleaning in a private property in Sofia. The operation was carried out with permission of the Chief of Defence and by order of the Land Forces Commander, following a request from the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Defence reported.