The Tedax NRBQ Unit of the Mossos d'Esquadra intercepted 112 explosive devices in 2024 in the regions of Lleida, according to public data from the Catalan Police. In Catalonia as a whole, last year's figure rose to 451.
The tally for the Lleida regions includes mainly war ammunition. Of the 112 artifacts located, 64 were artillery projectiles of 65 mm, 75 mm, 105 mm or 155 mm. Also found were 25 hand grenades, 20 mortar grenades and three fuses.
The highest concentration was recorded in la Noguera, el Segrià and Les Garrigues
Close to 60% of the explosives located in Lleida appeared in La Noguera, El Segrià, and Les Garrigues. They are three of the comarcas where the specialized unit maintains a more constant activity due to findings linked, in many cases, to old war material.
Since 2012, the Tedax of the Mossos have intervened 1,519 explosive devices in the regions of Lleida. Most of this material, according to the Catalan police, comes from the Civil War. The data arrives when next July 90 years of the beginning of the conflict will be completed.
Findings in excursions, works and earthworks
The artifacts usually surface in very diverse situations. The Mossos point out that many are located by citizens during excursions, earth movements, works in homes or premises, on public roads or while looking for mushrooms.
The Catalan police remind that a good part of the war material found still maintains explosive charge. Therefore, the instruction is not to touch the device and immediately notify 112 to activate the Tedax.
An active projectile removed a few days ago in L'Albagés
One of the most recent cases occurred a few days ago in L"Albagés, in Les Garrigues. Workers who were working on some irrigation pipeline works of the Segarra Garrigues canal located a Civil War projectile and notified 112.
To the spot, Tedax officers of the Mossos were deployed, who safely removed the device. It was an artillery projectile of 105 mm with the active charge. Afterwards, the artificers moved it to a safe place to proceed with its destruction.