Landmines Pose Deadly Risks for Syrians Returning Home

Many Syrians returning to their homeland following the regime's recent fall are confronted with a deadly threat: landmines. Ayghad, a former resident of Idlib province, experienced this firsthand when his father was killed by a landmine on their family farmland, which had been a source of pride and income.

After years of displacement due to the civil war, Ayghad and his family were hopeful to reclaim their land once opposition forces regained control of their village in November 2024. However, the dream quickly turned tragic when Ayghad's father's car hit a landmine during a visit to their olive grove, resulting in immediate death.

The United Nations reports that at least 144 individuals, including 27 children, have lost their lives to landmines and unexploded ordnance since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government. Many victims are farmers and landowners attempting to return to their properties after years of conflict.

Hassan Talfah, who leads mine-clearing efforts with the White Helmets, describes the difficult task of identifying and removing landmines, which were laid extensively during the conflict. He stated that while unexploded ordnance is visible and somewhat easier to clear, the hidden landmines present a grave danger to returning families, especially children.

Efforts to clear contaminated areas face significant challenges, with limited coordination among the various organizations working to mitigate these risks. Despite clearing over 800 unexploded ordnance items in the past month, the White Helmets have only cordoned off approximately 117 minefields, while estimates suggest that around a million dangerous devices remain in Syria.

International experts are calling for a comprehensive survey and increased funding to bolster the capacity for mine clearance. Without coordinated efforts to address the dangers posed by landmines, the lives of returning Syrians, especially children, remain at significant risk.