Tragedy in the Heart of Syria: The Hidden Danger Lurking Beneath the Earth
- By Max Wochinger
- ~5 Min Read
Stealthily and quietly, death resides in the soil - Stealthily and patiently, death awaits beneath the ground.
For Ali Al-Jund, the long-awaited return to his family's home in Hama, Syria, became a nightmare. Since fleeing from the city due to the ongoing violence in 2011, Ali had dreamt of the day his dream would become a reality. But on December 8, something unforeseen happened: the downfall of the brutal regime led by dictator Bashar al-Assad.
Yet, the celebrations were short-lived. The emergence of dangerous landmines and other explosive devices across Syria posed a massive threat to those who had waited to return home. Tragedy struck Ali and his family as they inadvertently fell prey to one of these hidden dangers.
Syria's Present-Day Minefield
Despite hopes for a better future, Syria now faces an alarming increase in casualties due to explosive remnants of war. Sadly, many innocent lives - including children - have been lost or injured during instances of careless play with unexploded grenades, or accidents during daily activities such as farming or gathering firewood.
The HALO Trust, one of the prominent organizations devoted to mine clearance, operates within Syria with a limited team. As of now, around 40 deminers work tirelessly in the northwest regions, yet the challenge is far from overcome. A full-scale operation would necessitate an estimated $40 million in annual funding.
Financing and Fundamental Challenges
Regardless of the efforts put forth, mine action in Syria continues to face significant funding shortages. In 2024, only 13% of the required funds were raised for the demining process. As a result, there is an urgent need for increased financial support to escalate demining efforts and protect the safety of civilians.
Communities Crippled by Explosive Contamination
Contamination from explosive ordnance hinders communities' access to fundamental necessities such as healthcare, education, and essential services. The most vulnerable among us - the children - are put in danger due to their curiosity and lack of awareness regarding the risks associated with such devices.
International Aid and Advocacy
Despite ongoing international efforts by organizations like UNMAS, HI, and the ICRC to expand responses, more resources and collaboration are required to address the crisis effectively. Meanwhile, risk education initiatives have been rolled out to educate the public about the hazards of explosive remnants of war.
In 2024, the ICRC supported risk education sessions for over 379,300 individuals. Although these efforts offer a glimmer of hope, the urgent situation in Syria deserves immediate attention and comprehensive action to guarantee the safety of its citizens.
The Commission is also proposing to extend the scope of humanitarian aid programs to include Syria, particularly in light of the increased number of landmine casualties and the urgent need for demining funds. If Ali Al-Jund, a Syrian refugee who recently returned home, could have known about the extent of Syria's hidden danger, he may have been able to prevent the tragedy that struck his family. Extended international aid and advocacy efforts, along with increased financial support, are expected to help address the crisis effectively, protecting future lives like Ali's from the risks associated with explosive remnants of war.
