The Protection and Rescue Directorate (DZS) is actively engaged in the ongoing removal of unexploded ordnance (UXO) left over from past wars, including the Macedonian Front line from World War I and the 2001 conflict. These efforts aim to ensure the safety of citizens and the environment.

Recently, in the village of Vitolishte Mariovo, Municipality of Prilep, authorities discovered and safely removed artillery shells dating back to the First World War. The recovered items included a 105mm artillery shell and a 75mm mortar shell.

In a separate incident, following a report to the Tetovo Police Department, a 40mm projectile from a hand-held anti-personnel grenade launcher was removed from the area of the village of Neproshteno. This UXO was identified as originating from the 2001 conflict.

The Directorate acknowledged the challenges posed by limited staffing in UXO operations. The DZS relies on dedicated personnel, such as pyrotechnician Gjorgi Stefanov, who was responsible for the safe retrieval and transport of the discovered ordnance. The UXO will be stored securely until its eventual destruction at the Krivolak military training ground.