Damascus:Syria is set to launch its inaugural nationwide map detailing the location of mines throughout the country, as part of an extensive three-year strategy aimed at tackling landmines and the remnants of war. This initiative was announced by Emergency and Disaster Management Minister Raed al-Saleh on Monday.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, Minister al-Saleh stated that the National Mine Action Center is spearheading the strategy, which focuses on identifying mine-contaminated areas and bolstering efforts to mitigate the threat posed by these hazards. He emphasized that mines and unexploded war remnants represent significant challenges for Syria, impacting civilians and children and hindering reconstruction and agricultural efforts.
Al-Saleh also mentioned ongoing efforts to devise mine-clearance plans and strategies amid existing challenges, with the goal of achieving tangible outcomes that safeguard civilians and facilitate the use of farmland. Additionally, Syria is collaborating with Germany and Ukraine to exchange expertise and leverage advanced demining technologies.
Furthermore, the minister revealed plans to establish a joint operations room with Türkiye to enhance emergency response and disaster management on both sides of the border. This initiative aims to improve coordination and response to various disasters, including fires and floods.
Syrian authorities continue to report casualties resulting from explosions of war remnants from the conflict initiated by the Bashar al-Assad regime against civilians from 2011 to 2024. The protracted war has led to a significant number of deaths and injuries, along with widespread infrastructure damage, culminating in opposition fighters entering Damascus on December 8, 2024, resulting in the fall of the Assad regime.
Efforts by Syrian authorities and international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, are ongoing to detect and neutralize mines and unexploded ordnance. Data from the Landmine Monitor indicates that since 2011, unexploded ordnance in Syria has resulted in over 13,000 casualties.