NZ's bomb clearing in Lebanon ends

New Zealand Defence Force's year-long commitment to clearing unexploded munitions in Southern Lebanon has come to an end.

A total of 30 New Zealanders were involved in the United Nations Mine Action Coordination Centre in Southern Lebanon.

They worked to clear unexploded munitions scattered over farmland and village areas after the 30-day war between Israel and Hezbollah that ended in August 2006.

Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Major General Rhys Jones said although New Zealand's contribution had been small "there is now a large group of Lebanese who are hugely appreciative of the efforts of the team and can continue their daily lives in safety."

The majority of the 1824 unexploded munitions the New Zealanders dealt with were from cluster bombs.

- NZPA