On Saturday, April 19, 2025, a landmine explosion killed a boy, identified as e child Sanad Hamed al-Subhi al-Akala from al-Suway’iya town in eastern rural Deir Ez-Zour governorate, and injured his brother, in al-Boukamal badiya ‘desert area’ in eastern Deir Ez-Zour governorate. The area is under the current transitional authorities in Syria.
According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights’ (SNHR), the area had previously been under the control of Assad regime forces and pro-Assad Iranian militias during the period when the landmines were likely planted.
Landmines continue to pose an ongoing threat to civilians in Syria, having caused thousands of deaths and injuries over the years, amid a lack of genuine efforts to reveal mine maps and clear contaminated areas.
SNHR calls on the transitional government and relevant international organizations to provide the necessary equipment and resources, and to support local teams, organizations, and specialized official bodies in removing landmines and remnants of war to reduce risks and protect civilian lives.
