AiBotThe Bazourieh Municipality in southern Lebanon has issued a warning to residents of the town and surrounding areas of the possible presence of internationally banned cluster munitions disguised as small children’s toy balls. According to municipal officials, a number of these suspicious objects have been discovered in recent days in various towns within the region.
While the exact origin of the mysterious toy balls is as yet unknown, local authorities are urging residents to exercise extreme caution and immediately report any further discoveries to the relevant authorities. The clusters, which are reportedly spherical in shape and approximately the size of a softball, are believed to resemble small children’s toy balls, potentially leading to their mistaken identification.
The warning was issued after a number of cluster munition fragments were discovered in the Bazourieh region, sparking concerns that they may have been part of a larger cache. The fragments, which are typically characterized by their pointed shapes and metal exteriors, were found in several locations, including residential areas and public spaces.
Cluster munitions are internationally banned under the Convention on Cluster Munitions, a treaty ratified by over 120 countries worldwide. These weapons are designed to disperse smaller munitions over a wide area, often causing significant harm to civilians and the environment.
“We take this situation extremely seriously,” said a spokesperson for the Bazourieh Municipality. “The presence of cluster munitions in our community poses a significant threat to public safety and we urge residents to exercise extreme caution. We will continue to work closely with relevant authorities to ensure that this situation is thoroughly investigated and that residents are kept informed.”
Local residents have been advised to avoid any suspicious objects and to report any discoveries to the authorities immediately. The Lebanese army, in collaboration with international organizations, has launched an investigation into the origins of the cluster munitions and has begun a thorough search of the area.
While the source of the mysterious toy balls remains unclear, the warning issued by the Bazourieh Municipality serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing legacy of conflict in Lebanon and the ongoing threat posed by unexploded ordnance. The discovery highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between local authorities and international organizations to prevent similar incidents in the future.