Nearly 700 Killed or Injured by Explosive Remnants of War in Syria During 2026

ARK News.. Nearly 700 people have been killed or injured in Syria since the beginning of 2026 as a result of landmines and explosive remnants of war, according to a humanitarian organization, while clearing the country of mines could take between 20 and 30 years.

According to France Press Agency (AFP), Simon Jackson, Syria program manager at The HALO Trust, said that explosions involving war remnants are causing an average of one death or injury approximately every six hours.

“Even if we double the pace of our work, we would need at least 10 years,” Jackson said, adding, "We are talking about 20 or 30 years to solve this problem and until the Syrian government is able to take responsibility for the remaining risks posed by the remnants that are discovered.”

The HALO Trust program manager explained that unexploded ordnance prevents people from “rebuilding their homes and businesses” and also prevents farmers from returning to cultivate their land.

As a result, he said, explosive remnants of war represent “an obstacle to the recovery of communities and the recovery of Syria.”

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