The discovery was made on March 7 in Tan Duc residential area in An Nhon Ward, Gia Lai Province, when excavator operator Phan Thanh Tien, 32, was digging a foundation for a fence.
While working, Tien uncovered a rusted metal object about 50 cm long that resembled a mortar shell buried beneath the soil.
Realising the potential danger, he immediately stopped the excavation, secured the site and reported the discovery to local police.
Officers from An Nhon Ward quickly arrived and cordoned off the area to prevent residents from approaching.
They also coordinated with military authorities to handle the suspected explosive device.
During a wider search of the site, officials found another mortar shell of similar size nearby.
Both shells were later removed and safely handled in accordance with safety regulations.
