Damascus, April 5 (SANA) Syria is among the countries most affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance, posing a major threat to civilians, Emergency and Disaster Management Minister Raed al-Saleh said on Saturday.
In a post on X marking the International Day for Mine Awareness, al-Saleh said mines and explosive remnants of war continue to claim lives daily, including civilians and demining workers.
“Syria, in every sense of the word, is living above a sea of landmines and unexploded ordnance,” he said, adding that a wide gap remains between available resources and the scale of contamination.
He cited the absence of accurate minefield maps and the spread of explosives in populated areas, farmland, under rubble and across desert regions as key challenges.
Despite these obstacles, al-Saleh said efforts are ongoing to strengthen capabilities, noting that recent meetings in Germany with specialized institutions focused on transferring advanced demining technologies.
He added that authorities are working to address what he described as a heavy legacy, despite the risks faced by demining teams, some of whom have been killed while carrying out their duties.
The ministry’s National Mine Action Center is coordinating efforts with relevant agencies and organizations, developing a national plan that includes clearance operations and public awareness campaigns to reduce risks and improve community safety.
Al-Saleh said removing explosive remnants of war is not only a technical task but also essential to rebuilding communities, supporting food security, enabling displaced people to return home, and ensuring children can safely access schools and play areas.
The Syrian Network for Human Rights has documented the deaths of at least 3,799 civilians, including 1,000 children and 377 women, due to landmines and cluster munition remnants between March 2011 and April 2026.
April 4 marks the International Day for Mine Awareness, established by the United Nations to highlight the dangers of landmines and promote efforts to protect civilians.
N.J/ A.B
