Berlin, SANA-Despite the risks, Syrian women are making significant contributions to mine clearance operations and the removal of explosive remnants of war, according to a report by Germany’s Deutsche Welle. The report noted that their role has become indispensable in this complex field, where their skill and dedication have helped save lives and protect communities.
The report highlighted the support of the international humanitarian NGO HALO Trust, which has trained numerous Syrians, including women, to carry out demining and risk education. Deputy Country Director of HALO Trust, Mu’ayyad al-Nofli, said mine-related accidents in Syria have reached alarming levels, with more than 1,250 victims recorded since December 8, 2024—about half of whom lost their lives.
Al-Nofli stressed that women’s participation is especially important in risk education and survey teams: “Without them, we cannot effectively deliver life-saving messages to communities about the dangers of explosive ordnance, nor gather crucial information on contamination sites.”
One of the trainees, Lama Haj Qaddour, said her motivation stemmed from the humanitarian responsibility of protecting civilians, saving lives, and supporting reconstruction. Meanwhile, Ahmed al-Rahmoun, a Syrian Civil Defense team leader, noted that the former regime planted hundreds of thousands of mines across the country, particularly in farmland, causing countless deaths, amputations, and severe obstacles to reconstruction and livelihoods.
Nawal/Manar
