20th Anniversary of EOD, Xhaçka: AF are irreplaceable, Gërdec is testimony of this role

Published: Wednesday, 20 March 2019 15:36

Two decades since the creation of the first group for the disposal of excessive and dangerous ammunition, EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) presents an extraordinary work balance. Over 1000 ha of cleared surface from unexploded ordnance, on and underground. Over 55,000 tons of disposed ammunition, of various types and calibers. 15 certified warehouses and participation in international missions, such as ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina, EUTM Mali, and the NATO Group - Battalion in Latvia.

Minister Xhaçka was present in the 20th Anniversary of this company. She praised the work of EOD troops during the years and mentioned the most tragic event in Albania with regard to ammunition disposal.

“Last week, on March 15, Albanians commemorated a tragic anniversary that reminds us all once again how important and irreplaceable this company is and how dangerous are the consequences if this legacy of ammunition and weapons is left at the mercy of fate, or even worse, at the mercy of corruption and abuse as it happened in Gërdec on March 15, 2008. Of course it is up to justice to say its word about the tragedy that has taken 26 innocent lives and that has forever marked not only the AF, but also every Albanian. But it's up to us, it's up to you, to do everything we can to keep such tragedies from being repeated”, - Minister of Defence declared.

Minister Xhaçka underlined courage as one of the greatest virtues of Albanian troops who over the years have contributed to one of the most difficult sectors in the Armed Forces.
“I believe you have often heard them say that to deal with politics in Albania you need to have strong nerves. This is true because unfortunately, often politics in Albania is not the arena of confronting ideas and alternatives, but an arena of insults and attacks. But as a person who has closely followed your job every day, the work of this company, who have had the opportunity to discuss and learn from the EOD superiors and troops about its story, about your missions and colleagues’ missions, all I can tell you is that to become part of EOD, you do not just need to have nerves, but you need to possess nerves of steel! It needs nerves of steel, it needs bravery, but above all a high sense of duty to endanger one’s life in one of the most dangerous activities that an AF military person may face,” - said Minister Xhaçka.

The 20th Anniversary of the EOD was attended by the Chief of General Staff of the AF Brigadier General Bardhyl Kollçaku, Commander of the Supporting Command Brigadier General Ndriçim Sallaku, military troops of the Engineering Battalion and other guests. They commemorated the 3 military men of this company, who lost their lives in the line of duty, during the work for the disposal of excessive ammunition: Staff Sergeant Agim Mekollari, Sergeant Namik Gjolena and Corporal Sadik Basha.

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