Syria, April 23, 2025 – As Syria navigates its post-Assad era, a silent but deadly threat looms large: landmines and unexploded ordnance scattered across the nation. Urgent calls are escalating for expanded demining efforts to tackle these remnants of war that continue to claim lives and hinder recovery.
The crisis, exacerbated by years of conflict, presents a significant challenge to stability and reconstruction. According to recent reports, landmines and unexploded ordnance are causing widespread casualties, inflicting long-term harm on communities and impeding the safe return of displaced populations. These explosives not only endanger lives directly but also disrupt agricultural activities, limit access to essential services, and perpetuate a cycle of fear and displacement.
Demining operations are currently underway, but experts warn that the scale of the problem far exceeds existing resources. The affected areas are vast and often difficult to access, requiring significant investment in equipment, training, and personnel. Moreover, the nature of the conflict has led to the deployment of a variety of explosive devices, including improvised landmines, making detection and clearance operations even more complex.
International organizations and local authorities are collaborating to raise awareness among communities about the risks posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance. Risk education programs aim to teach people how to identify and avoid dangerous areas, report suspicious items, and seek assistance when needed.
The presence of landmines also casts a shadow over Syria’s economic prospects. The country recently received its first wheat shipment since the ouster of al-Assad, signaling a potential path towards recovery. However, the continued threat of landmines hampers agricultural production and limits the availability of arable land. Traders indicate that Syria has primarily relied on overland imports from neighboring countries this year.
As Syria embarks on the long road to recovery, addressing the landmine crisis is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of its people, fostering sustainable development, and building a peaceful and prosperous future. The international community must step up its support for demining efforts, providing the necessary resources and expertise to clear the land and protect communities from these deadly legacies of war.