Syria: Mine casualties persist as UN partners scale up clearance operations
17 February 2025
Damascus, Syria – Despite significant progress in clearing landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) in Syria, casualties continue to occur, underscoring the urgent need for continued clearance operations.
According to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), there have been 121 mine/ERW casualties in Syria in 2024, including 29 fatalities. The majority of casualties occurred in the northern and eastern parts of the country, where fighting continues and contamination is widespread.
In response to the ongoing threat, UNMAS and its partners are scaling up clearance operations across Syria. In 2024, UNMAS cleared over 10 square kilometers of land, destroying more than 15,000 mines and ERW.
“We are making progress, but much more needs to be done,” said Mr. Sergio Piazzi, UNMAS Programme Manager in Syria. “Mine and ERW contamination continues to pose a significant threat to the safety and security of civilians in Syria.”
UNMAS is working closely with the Syrian Mine Action Center (SMAC) and other national and international partners to coordinate clearance operations and provide assistance to victims.
“The Government of Syria is committed to addressing the landmine and ERW problem in our country,” said Mr. Mohammed Kheir Bek, Director General of SMAC. “We are grateful for the support of UNMAS and our other partners.”
In addition to clearance operations, UNMAS is also providing risk education to communities affected by landmines and ERW. The aim is to raise awareness of the risks and to teach people how to stay safe.
“Risk education is an essential part of our work,” said Mr. Piazzi. “It helps to save lives by teaching people how to recognize and avoid landmines and ERW.”
UNMAS is calling for continued international support for mine action in Syria. The organization estimates that it will need $20 million in funding in 2025 to continue its operations.
“We cannot afford to let up now,” said Mr. Piazzi. “We must continue to clear landmines and ERW, and we must continue to educate people about the risks. Only then will we be able to make Syria safe for all.”
For more information, please contact:
United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) www.unmas.org
Syrian Mine Action Center (SMAC) www.smac.sy
Syria: Mine casualties persist as UN partners scale up clearance operations
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