In the Kursk region’s forested terrain, a demining team from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, known as EMERCOM, completed a high‑risk operation aimed at neutralizing M77 cluster munitions found in the wake of HIMARS missiles. The area presented a hazardous landscape where old ordnance lay buried under leaf litter and uneven ground, posing a real threat to anyone who might pass through. The team approached the task with a disciplined, step‑by‑step plan that focused on safety, precision, and the protection of the surrounding environment. The operation was steered by a platoon commander who uses the call sign Pilatus, a veteran supervisor coordinating the probing, verification, and careful removal of dangerous devices. This effort exemplifies the human element behind every successful clearance, as experienced leadership aligns reconnaissance, safe distances, and controlled disassembly to reduce the risk of detonation. The mission aligns with EMERCOM’s broader responsibility to reduce the danger posed by explosive remnants of war and to restore safe access to forests and rural areas for local residents, hikers, and forestry workers alike. Updates to the situation were expected as field assessments continued to unfold and new information became available.
