Crossword Genius

In the middle of no-go-area, missiles blasted place of safety (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

oasis

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'place of safety' is the definition.
'oasis' can be an answer for 'place' (I have seen 'Place of refreshment ' mean 'oasis' so perhaps 'place' could also mean 'oasis'). I'm not sure about the 'of safety' bit.

'in the middle of no-go-area missiles blasted' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'of' could be 'o' and 'o' is found in the answer.
'area' could be 'a' (maths abbreviation) and 'a' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'sis' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for oasis that I've seen before include "Fertile tract in a desert" , "Famous group" , "can provide welcome relief" , "Fertile place in a desert, a watering hole" , "Place of peace" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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