Syria: Mine casualties persist as UN partners scale up clearance operations
17 February 2025
AMMAN – As the conflict in Syria enters its 15th year, landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) continue to pose a major threat to civilians, with new casualties reported on a regular basis.
According to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), there have been 1,254 mine and ERW casualties in Syria since the beginning of the conflict in 2011. Of these, 540 were killed and 714 were injured.
The majority of casualties are civilians, including women and children. In 2024, there were 252 civilian casualties, including 95 children.
The most heavily affected areas are the governorates of Aleppo, Idlib, Daraa, and Hama, where fighting has been most intense.
UNMAS and its partners are working to clear landmines and ERW from affected areas, but the task is vast and complex. As of February 2025, UNMAS and its partners have cleared over 10,000 square kilometers of land, but an estimated 20,000 square kilometers remain contaminated.
“Landmines and ERW are a serious threat to the safety and well-being of civilians in Syria,” said Mr. David Beasley, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP). “We are working closely with UNMAS and other partners to clear these deadly devices and help make Syria safe for its people.”
UNMAS is also working to raise awareness of the dangers of landmines and ERW, and to provide risk education to communities in affected areas.
“It is important for people to know the dangers of landmines and ERW,” said Ms. Lise Grande, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria. “We urge people to be cautious when they are in areas that may be contaminated, and to report any suspicious objects to the authorities.”
The United Nations is committed to helping Syria recover from the conflict and rebuild a better future for its people. Landmine clearance is an essential part of this effort, and UNMAS and its partners will continue to work until Syria is free from the threat of landmines and ERW.
For more information, please contact:
- UNMAS: James Cowan, cowan@un.org, +962 6 552 6600
- WFP: Challiss McDonough, challiss.mcdonough@wfp.org, +962 7 9840 9520
- OCHA: David Swanson, swanson@un.org, +962 7 9693 2924
Syria: Mine casualties persist as UN partners scale up clearance operations
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