The remnants of war in Syria claim 232 children and women since the beginning of this year
The remnants of war in Syria claim 232 children and women since the beginning of this year
A new report by the Syrian Observatory has revealed that 232 children and women have been killed and injured due to the explosion of landmines, munitions, and war remnants in Syria since the start of the year, indicating the ongoing threats to civilians despite a decline in military operations in many areas.
According to the Observatory, war remnants since the beginning of the year have resulted in the death of 94 people, including 86 children and 8 women, while 138 others were injured, including 127 children and 11 women, showing that children are the most affected group by these incidents.
The Observatory pointed out that the areas under the control of the Syrian Interim Government recorded the deaths of 79 children and 7 women, along with the injury of 121 children and 10 women. It noted that three of the child victims were killed while collecting truffles in areas where war remnants are widespread.
In the areas of the Autonomous Administration, the death of 7 children and one woman was recorded, along with the injury of 6 children and another woman due to the explosion of landmines and unexploded ordnance.
War remnants from years of conflict are spread across agricultural lands, roads, residential areas, and locations frequented by people seeking livelihood, posing a continuous danger to civilians, especially children who may not recognize the nature of the hazardous objects surrounding them.
The Observatory warned of the continued casualties, calling on the controlling parties in various regions to identify and secure sites contaminated with landmines and unexploded munitions, place clear warning signs, and work towards removing war remnants to protect the populace.
It also urged the international community and specialized organizations to intensify mine clearance operations and offer technical and logistical support, in addition to launching awareness programs targeting children, families, farmers, and truffle gatherers to reduce accidents.
The Observatory emphasized that the continued fall of children and women highlights that the effects of war do not end with the cessation of battles, as landmines and unexploded munitions remain a long-term threat to civilian life, along with the permanent injuries and disabilities they cause.
