Landmines and Explosive Remnants of War Continue to Cause Mass Casualties in Syria

At least 249 people, including 60 children, killed by landmines and explosive remnants of war since December 8.

Classification: potential war crime

Sources: ‘I thought I’d died.’ How landmines are continuing to claim lives in post-Assad Syria

Human Rights Watch

Advocacy Group

Role: Reporting and Advocacy

Credibility: HIGH

Syrian Defense Ministry Demining Unit

Government Body

Role: Demining Efforts

Credibility: MEDIUM

UNMAS

UN Body

Role: Mine Action Coordination

Credibility: HIGH

The humanitarian impact of landmines and the challenges of demining in post-conflict Syria.: The focus on landmine casualties highlights the long-term humanitarian consequences of conflict, particularly in areas previously subject to intense fighting. The call for a civilian-led mine action authority by Human Rights Watch, in coordination with UNMAS, suggests a potential divergence in priorities or capacity between international humanitarian efforts and the transitional government's existing structures. The statement from the Syrian defense ministry member regarding the time needed for clearance underscores the scale of the problem and potential for continued casualties, which may not receive sustained international media attention due to shifting geopolitical priorities. This aligns with how complex, protracted humanitarian crises often fade from the forefront of global consciousness unless tied to immediate, high-profile events, potentially serving to downplay the ongoing human cost of past conflicts.

Bias Assessment: Reporting on landmine casualties is generally considered neutral, focusing on factual outcomes. However, the framing of demining efforts and governmental response can be influenced by the source's relationship with the transitional government and international bodies.