834 victims... Syria records the largest number of victims of mines and war remnants

ARK News… For the third year in a row, Syria recorded the largest number of casualties from anti-personnel mines and remnants of war, which pose a long-term threat to civilians and the environment.

The Landmine Monitor (Mine Action Review) revealed in its annual report on the use of mines around the world, which covers the past year 2022 and the first half of the current year 2023, that Syria recorded, for the third year in a row, the largest number of new victims of anti-personnel mines or remnants of war. of the explosion, as the report documented 834 victims throughout Syria.

According to the report, the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6 had an impact on increasing the risks resulting from mines in northwestern Syria, as 42 communities contaminated with explosive ordnance were identified that were struck by the earthquake, and the earthquake may have led to the movement of explosive materials or their reappearance. This may necessitate re-survey in affected communities.

Mine Action Review monitors mines and conducts preliminary updates and analyzes on landmines and cluster munitions, as well as surveys and clearance operations around the world, with the aim of monitoring and promoting full implementation of clearance obligations under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) and the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM).

The Landmine Monitor's annual report serves as the basis for the regular work of the 164 signatory states of the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) and the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM).

The spread of mines and remnants of war in Syria is considered a long-term threat to civilians and the environment. Farmers and children are considered the groups most at risk from mines and remnants of war.

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