Syrians return home to deadly remnant of war

 The Deadly Legacy of Syria's War: Landmines and Explosive Remnants Threaten Returning Civilians

In December 2024, a significant shift occurred in Syria as rebels toppled Bashar al-Assad's regime, marking the end of 14 years of brutal conflict. As families began returning home to areas near the front lines, they were met with a harsh reality: the widespread presence of landmines and explosive remnants of war. These hidden dangers, planted by Assad's forces, pose a deadly threat to civilians, causing injuries and fatalities daily.

The Alarming Statistics

According to The HALO Trust, a humanitarian demining NGO, over 400 civilians have been killed or injured by landmines and explosive remnants of war since the fall of the Assad regime. In the past week alone, 39 adults and eight children lost their lives to accidents involving landmines and other explosive debris. The international organization INSO reported that at least 249 people, including 60 children, were killed, and another 379 injured in such incidents between December 8, 2024, and late April 2025.

The Challenge of Demining

The scale of the problem is staggering, with estimates suggesting over 300,000 mines scattered across Syria. Deminers face a daunting task, as they work to clear these explosives and make areas safe for civilians. The HALO Trust has received a tenfold increase in calls from the public seeking help to deal with live landmines, bombs, and rockets since the change of regime. With only a small team of 40 deminers in Syria, the organization is struggling to keep up with the demand ¹.

The Human Cost

The impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war on civilians is devastating. In Shifa hospital, one to five civilians are admitted daily with injuries caused by these explosives. The stories of survivors are heart-wrenching, like those of children who have lost limbs or parents who have lost loved ones. The psychological trauma inflicted on families and communities is immeasurable.

Efforts to Address the Crisis

Organizations like The HALO Trust and the White Helmets are working tirelessly to clear landmines and educate civilians about the risks. They are also providing vital support to victims and their families. However, the task ahead is enormous, and more resources are desperately needed to scale up these efforts.

The Way Forward

To address this crisis, the Syrian government and international donors must work together to:

- Establish a National Plan: Develop a comprehensive plan to survey and clear landmines and explosive remnants of war.

- Increase Funding: Provide adequate funding to support demining efforts and victim assistance programs.

- Promote Mine Risk Education: Educate civilians, especially children, about the risks associated with landmines and explosive remnants of war.

- Support Victims: Provide medical and psychological support to victims and their families.

Conclusion

The legacy of Syria's war will be felt for generations to come, but with concerted effort and international support, it is possible to mitigate the impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war. By working together, we can ensure that returning civilians can rebuild their lives without fear of these hidden dangers. The road ahead is long, but with determination and resources, Syria can overcome this challenge and start to heal.

Sources:

- The New Humanitarian: "Mines: The deadly legacy of Syria's war"

- The HALO Trust: "Syria landmine crisis spirals as millions begin to return home"

- Human Rights Watch: "Syria: Landmines, Explosive Remnants Harming Civilians"