Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, over 200 Syrian refugees have died due to landmines as they return to their homes. The area is littered with unexploded munitions, putting many lives, particularly children, at risk. An annual conference in Brussels aims to address humanitarian needs amidst ongoing violence and political changes in Syria.
In the wake of the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, more than 200 returning refugees, including women and children, have tragically lost their lives due to landmine explosions in Syria. This alarming statistic follows the displacement of approximately 1.2 million Syrians during the civil war, many of whom are now attempting to return to their homes amidst ongoing dangers from unexploded munitions scattered throughout the country.
Bomb disposal experts have highlighted that thousands of landmines and unexploded ordnance remain in both urban and rural areas, posing a significant threat to returning citizens. According to the Halo Trust organization, there have been 640 casualties associated with unexploded munitions in recent weeks, with a substantial portion of these victims being children who mistakenly believe that these objects are merely toys.
Expert Mohammad Sami al-Mohammad of the White Helmets emphasized the severity of the situation by stating, “We cannot say there is any area in Syria free of war remnants.” He further noted that clearing the mines may take decades, citing that some countries have yet to eliminate such dangers decades after conflicts ended. Community volunteers are significantly disadvantaged in this endeavor, as many have also faced harm while undertaking demining tasks.
Amidst these challenges, an annual conference focused on raising humanitarian aid for Syria is commencing in Brussels. Historically, this conference, organized by the European Union, has occurred without participation from the Syrian regime. However, with the new transitional government, a representative will attend. The goal of this conference is to provide support to Syrian refugees, shift funding dynamics, and enable Syria to pursue a path toward stability following Assad’s departure.
Nonetheless, the backdrop of this conference includes recent violence targeting civilians from the Alawite minority, a grim reminder of the ongoing instability. The urgency of humanitarian needs in Syria is underscored by Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign minister, who articulated the critical challenges facing the nation in light of the recent violence and geopolitical factors impacting international aid.
The current situation in Syria remains dire, with over 200 refugees having been killed by landmines since the regime’s fall. The presence of unexploded ordnance continues to threaten the safety of returning citizens, especially children. While humanitarian aid efforts are underway, marked by a significant conference in Brussels, serious challenges remain amid ongoing violence and the complex political landscape.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
