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Engineers check and start equipment such as multi-function detectors, X-ray scanners for undercarriage inspection, and mine detectors. (Photo: Thanh Tung) |
The 544th Combat Engineer Battalion began the task of detecting explosives about 12 hours before the rehearsal. Captain Pham Van Manh, Commander of the 2nd Company, briefed the engineers, reminding them to obey commands, stay within their assigned areas, and strictly adhere to safety regulations. He instructed them to report any suspicious signals or objects to the commander for appropriate action.
The 544th Battalion is responsible for ensuring safety along the entire parade route, staging areas for military vehicles and artillery, special police vehicles, and non-military hotels. The 14 engineer teams cover a total distance of approximately 400 km.
Major Le Van Hung, Commander of the 544th Combat Engineer Battalion, said that before events like combined training, rehearsals, and the main ceremony, the 14 engineer teams will conduct simultaneous sweeps for explosives, each team responsible for a different route or location.
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Engineer Bui Ngo Duc Dai uses a multi-function detector capable of detecting radioactive materials and narcotics to scan electrical boxes, flower beds, and restroom areas. Dai (21 years old) joined the engineer team three months ago and is proficient in using various specialized equipment for special tasks. (Photo: Thanh Tung) |
Team 1 is responsible for sweeping approximately 4.2 km around Mai Xuan Thuong flower garden, Thanh Nien road, the beginning of Hung Vuong road, Doi Can street, and Hoang Van Thu street. This is a key area where parade formations, military vehicles, and special police vehicles gather before moving to Ba Dinh square.
The engineers participating in the A80 operation are all certified in bomb disposal and are trained to react quickly. They are equipped with protective gear, including A2 helmets, overalls, body armor, mine vests, fragmentation vests, and gas masks.
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Engineers use mine detectors to scan every tree base and flower bed, repeatedly checking potential hiding places for explosives two to three times. (Photo: Thanh Tung) |
Engineers check and start equipment such as multi-function detectors, X-ray scanners for undercarriage inspection, and mine detectors. (Photo: Thanh Tung)
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Engineer Nguyen Quy Trung Hieu uses a scanner to thoroughly check every corner of the Mai Xuan Thuong flower beds. If a foreign object is detected, the device emits a loud sound to alert the user. Hieu, 22, says he is "glad to have never heard the device beep during a search, but the task is important, so we never let our guard down." (Photo: Thanh Tung) |
Among the equipment is a robot for handling special situations, such as suspected explosives in auditoriums, shopping malls, or other hard-to-reach locations.
The remotely controlled robot has front and rear cameras for easy observation and can lift objects weighing up to 18 kg. It can also use a high-pressure water gun to destroy certain objects.
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A brief encounter between engineer teams and the 544th Battalion on their assigned route. They exchange quick greetings before hurrying off. (Photo: Thanh Tung) |
The search areas are divided into 2-meter-wide strips, and the engineers use detectors in vertical and semi-circular patterns to "ensure no corner is missed".
While the engineers conduct the search, Platoon Leader Nguyen Duc Trung provides support. If a suspicious object is found or a special situation arises, the area is immediately cordoned off, and superiors are notified for further action.
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Engineer Bui Ngo Duc Dai uses a multi-function detector capable of detecting radioactive materials and narcotics to scan electrical boxes, flower beds, and restroom areas. Dai (21 years old) joined the engineer team three months ago and is proficient in using various specialized equipment for special tasks. (Photo: Thanh Tung)
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Engineers use mine detectors to scan every tree base and flower bed, repeatedly checking potential hiding places for explosives two to three times. (Photo: Thanh Tung)
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Engineer Nguyen Quy Trung Hieu uses a scanner to thoroughly check every corner of the Mai Xuan Thuong flower beds. If a foreign object is detected, the device emits a loud sound to alert the user. Hieu, 22, says he is "glad to have never heard the device beep during a search, but the task is important, so we never let our guard down." (Photo: Thanh Tung)
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Captain Pham Van Manh, with 8 years of experience in bomb disposal, walks along Phan Dinh Phung road, checking high points like lampposts and tree branches.
"During the operation, some objects and boxes were found in trash cans, but upon inspection, they were not explosives," he said, adding that after the sweep, the "clear" area will be handed over to the police.
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A brief encounter between engineer teams and the 544th Battalion on their assigned route. They exchange quick greetings before hurrying off. (Photo: Thanh Tung)
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After completing the sweep of the Mai Xuan Thuong flower garden area, the engineer team continued their work on Thanh Nien road, the staging area for hundreds of military vehicles and special police vehicles.
In addition to bomb disposal, the 544th Combat Engineer Battalion has also deployed personnel and a search and rescue platoon at various locations, ready for any contingency. In August alone, the unit provided security for approximately 40 events. The work "has no days off and no regular office hours".
According to the plan, the A80 rehearsal will take place at 8 p.m. on 27/8; the general rehearsal on 30/8; and the main ceremony on 2/9.
_Thanh Tung - Hoang Phuong_
