Landmines in Syria Kill Over 200 Refugees Amid Return Efforts

Landmines in Syria have killed over 200 returning refugees since the regime’s fall, with experts warning that areas remain unsafe due to residual conflict remnants. Approximately 1.2 million refugees are returning as humanitarian funding discussions commence in Brussels for assistance and stabilization efforts.

In Syria, landmines have claimed the lives of over 200 returning refugees, including women and children, since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. As around 1.2 million individuals return to their homes after displacement, numerous landmines and unexploded munitions remain scattered throughout the country due to 14 years of ongoing conflict.

According to experts cited by the British Guardian, there is currently no safe area in Syria. The Halo Trust organization reports that 640 Syrians have been either killed or injured by unexploded munitions remaining in the region. Alarmingly, a third of the casualties are children who may mistake these dangerous remnants for toys.

Mohammad Sami al-Mohammad, a bomb disposal expert from the White Helmets, emphasized the extensive dangers, stating it may take decades to clear the landmines and make areas safe for habitation. He noted that some countries have been unable to eradicate similar threats even forty years after the conclusion of their conflicts, and Syria’s situation is significantly more dire.

Volunteers are working to assist returnees in demining their areas, yet this endeavor often results in injuries or fatalities among these individuals. Amid these efforts, an annual conference aimed at fundraising for Syria is set to commence in Brussels, marking a shift in focus due to the recent regime change.

For the first time since 2017, a representative of the Syrian government, Assad al-Shibani, will attend, alongside ministers from Western nations, Arab states, and UN agencies. Previously, the conference directed aid to refugees outside Syria, avoiding direct engagement with the Assad regime.

However, this conference arrives on the heels of violent clashes and massacres against the Alawite minority, raising significant questions about the stability of the newly established regime. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign minister, stated, “This is a time of critical challenges and needs for Syria,” underscoring the urgency of international assistance amidst ongoing violence and the reduction of U.S. humanitarian aid under previous leadership.

In conclusion, the return of refugees to Syria is perilous due to the dire presence of landmines and unexploded munitions, resulting in over 200 deaths since the regime change. Experts warn that clearing these dangers may take decades, posing significant risks, particularly to children. The upcoming Brussels conference, while a shift in diplomatic engagement, reflects the ongoing humanitarian crisis that demands urgent attention from the international community.

Original Source: www.ynetnews.com