The United Nations has warned that the risk of civilian casualties has increased due to landmines and other explosive materials left during the war in Syria.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the risk of explosives is affecting not only the place where people live, but also their movement, work and family livelihood.
According to the office, in the last one week, there have been 12 incidents related to explosives in six provinces of Syria. Nine people died and 13 people were injured in that incident. Among the dead are six children.
Raqqa province in northern Syria has seen the most incidents involving explosives. This shows that the risk of explosive remnants left during the war still remains, according to the United Nations.
Since December 8, 2024, more than 1,400 incidents related to explosives have been recorded throughout Syria. About 2,500 civilians were affected and 880 people died in that incident.
According to the United Nations, more than two-thirds of the incidents occurred in agriculture and animal grazing. This has put farmers, cattle breeders and people moving between villages at high risk.
The United Nations has said that a large-scale clearance of landmines and other explosive devices is urgently needed to reduce the risk. In addition, organizations working in the humanitarian sector have emphasized on giving priority to informing the general public about the dangers caused by explosives, providing necessary assistance to the affected people and cleaning up hazardous areas.
According to the United Nations, such efforts will help civilians to return home safely and resume their daily lives free from risk.
