On Sunday, April 5, 2026, the Syrian Network for Human Rights documented the killing of two civilians, one of whom was a child, and the wounding of five other children in two separate incidents caused by a landmine and an unexploded ordnance (UXO) in eastern Deir ez-Zor Governorate, an area under the control of the Syrian government.
According to the Network, Waseem al-Khader al-Ali al-Karim, a civilian from the city of Muhassan, east of Deir ez-Zor, was killed, and his child was wounded when a landmine exploded as they were passing through the Muhassan desert.
On the same day, the Network also documented the killing of Abdulrahman Zamel al-Manaa, a child, and the wounding of four other children, all from the town of Abu al-Hassan, east of Deir ez-Zor, when an UXO exploded as they were playing with it in the town.
These areas are among those that have witnessed changes in control between the warring parties, making it extremely difficult to determine who planted the mine and who is responsible for the UXO. We are continuing our investigations, including reviewing and gathering further evidence and information. Therefore, we urge anyone with information or details related to this incident to provide them to us via our official email address: [email protected]
Legal Conclusions:
- The explosion of a landmine and an explosive remnant of conflict, which resulted in civilian casualties and injuries, including children, while they were engaged in peaceful civilian activities, exemplifies the continuing impact of conflict on civilian lives.
- The continued presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance in populated areas or near civilian activity, without their removal or warning to the population of their presence, constitutes a violation of positive protection obligations under international humanitarian law, particularly Article 10 of the Amended Protocol to the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW) on mines, booby traps, and improvised explosive devices.
- The failure of controlling parties to provide minefield maps or place clear warning signs exposes civilians to death or injury and constitutes a violation of the duty to warn and inform under international humanitarian law.
- The inability to identify the party that planted the mine raises the issue of impunity, necessitating an independent investigation and underscoring the need for comprehensive documentation of explosive remnants of war and contaminated sites to prevent recurring incidents.
- The continued presence of mines and unexploded ordnance in civilian areas poses a threat to the right to life and physical safety.
The Syrian Network for Human Rights recommends:
- Launch an immediate investigation into the incident to determine which party to the conflict planted the mines in the area and hold the responsible party legally accountable for negligence or deliberate action.
- Expedite the clearing of landmines and unexploded ordnance from the conflict, particularly in agricultural and pastoral areas near populated areas, in cooperation with international organizations such as the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, and the Syrian Civil Defense.
- Prepare and disseminate comprehensive and up-to-date maps of mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) at the local level, using clear warning signs in all suspected areas, especially those under the de facto control of armed forces on the ground.
- Implement comprehensive local awareness campaigns targeting residents of rural areas and camps, educating them about the dangers of mines and how to identify and avoid them, in cooperation with civil society organizations.
- Provide direct support to victims’ families through immediate financial compensation, psychosocial support, and inclusion in programs assisting victims of ERW.
