Syrian Returnees Face Deadly Threat from Unexploded Landmines

Millions of explosive remnants of war pose a critical danger as Syrians return home following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

The sudden ouster of Bashar al-Assad has led to a surge in Syrians returning to their homes, with many encountering heavily mined areas.
The Halo Trust, a leading landmine-clearing organization, reports a tenfold increase in emergency calls from Syrians about unexploded ordnance.
Millions of landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosives remain scattered across fields, towns, and cities, including major areas like Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs.
Children are particularly at risk, with unexploded devices often resembling toys, leading to fatal accidents and injuries.
The Halo Trust and other groups are calling for an urgent international effort to clear the explosives and facilitate safe resettlement and rebuilding in Syria.