Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Morocco
Is This A Land Mine? Is This A Land Mine?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Morocco Topics specific to Morocco, including Western Sahara west of the berm
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Like Tree21Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 Apr 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: granada,spain
Posts: 342
Is This A Land Mine?
Can anyone out there please confirm whether or not the image below is of a landmine?
Is This A Land Mine?-_dsc1325_edited-1.jpg
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 28 Apr 2017
Arma's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Lake Constance, Germany
Posts: 149
Jump up and down on it, that should confirm things one way or another. Be sure and come back to post your findings!

Seriously though, I'm guessing if the answer is 'yes' we've got an interesting story here.
__________________
[ Tim | History - NW Italy/French Rivera, Swiss Alps, Morocco | 2016 - Greece > Albania > Macedonia > Kosovo > Montenegro > Bosnia > Slovenia > Austria ]
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 Apr 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: granada,spain
Posts: 342
I asked the 'navo' if she would do that while I took the photo but,she was'nt keen even despite the positive weight loss attraction
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Apr 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,460
Anti-tank mine 35 cm diameter
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Apr 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Gatwick UK
Posts: 488
Err stay away from it , anti tank mines usually have anti personal mines sown near them to deter removal and some will have anti handling devices underneath them . Mark it s position on a map and leave well be . I certainly would not be wiping debris off the top that sort of rubbish is for films only..... Trust me mine clearance used to be my job
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Apr 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: granada,spain
Posts: 342
This photo was taken in what looks like a caravanserai/meeting/market place on the LHS of the road on a slope going North into Abteh.

It is an extremely interesting looking complex near to and clearly visible from the road. It looks exactly like similar complexes in Iran so my wife and I went to explore it. It is completely unfenced and unmarked for mines. We drove our Defender through the gates and around the complex which has many points of interest.We then parked the car and had a walk around. My wife spotted this one in the middle of an access road to the SW part of the complex and we subsequently found two more in the track whilst on foot which had probably been uncovered by wind.

It is a beautiful,intriguing place. We were lucky.DO NOT GO THERE!!!!

Does anyone have contacts to inform suitable authorities?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Apr 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,470
Wow I know the place and nearly turned around to have a look. Best people to report to are the police in Abteh or UN in Smara I guess


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Apr 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,460
Ouch. This is on the Moroccan side, and close to the road then?
And no warning signs?
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ab...8!4d-11.448821
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Apr 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,470
From Tony's description it's a group of old building west of the road maybe 5km south of Abteh


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 29 Apr 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: granada,spain
Posts: 342
We were around the East side of Abteh for a couple of days trying to get across to Msied via Gandini route but eventually had to turn back at a wet wadi with to much rock moving to do for one vehicle only. And this has usually meant further bad crossings to follow so we went North to Msied via tarmac
But did hear some very interesting howling during the night that was not fox or dog. Do the wolves and jackels come this far North of Aswerd area?

We tried twice at the police post in Abteh to report the mines but it was unmanned on both occassions.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 29 Apr 2017
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,077
Is this it? http://tinyurl.com/koxdu7y

or this? http://tinyurl.com/jvujs2u

I have a waypoint for the second one as an abandoned army camp, but Google Maps reckons it's a tourist camp

I'm really surprised at this as Morocco is considered free of landmines with the exception of Western Sahara. I presume MINURSO won't be interested as it's not in WS.

Keep you and Jan safe!
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 29 Apr 2017
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,813
I think we should clarify exactly where these 3 mines were seen, assuming that's what they are (Chris G?) and then spread the word. Tony can you pinpoint the spots?

It's only 20km from the old WS border, and the Jebel Ouarkaziz directly east has many former front-line emplacements, berms and installations.

I emailed Gandini/Extreme Sud - they ought to spread the word in France.
I also notified wuestenschiff.de [acknowledged May 2nd]. I know one German Sahara forum used to keep a landmines database.
I will also mention it in the upcoming edition of MO.

On GE there are several photos at both locations Tim gives - both have odd, klin-like huts. Just like Tony, passing travellers like to explore or camp at such curiosities (it seems Budapest Rally did so in 2009 at the southern one).
Last edited by Chris Scott; 4 May 2017 at 19:25.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 29 Apr 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,470
Is This A Land Mine?
The locations Tims linked are where I assume it is.

Lots of Fuel Stations Chris I counted 5 just into the WS side


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 30 Apr 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: granada,spain
Posts: 342
Is This A Land Mine?-_dsc1321-1.jpg

The complex in question is the one in the first of Tim Cullis' Google link.

In the photos the LR is parked in the access gate of the NE compound.

The other two are in the NW compound close to where the mines are.

Using Tim's approx co-ords for the mines would be N27.882257-W11.490838.

In the photo of the single hive you should be able to see the new road construction embankment in the valley in the background.
Attached Thumbnails
Is This A Land Mine?-_dsc1316-1.jpg  

Is This A Land Mine?-_dsc1317_edited-1-1.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 30 Apr 2017
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,077
To answer your question, in the first instance I would approach the Gendarmerie Royal. The Gendarmerie is a paramilitary organisation attached to the army, rather than being a pure police force like the Sûreté Nationale.

In case your photo isn't obvious to them, the French expression is 'mine terrestre'.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:35.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top