Full Breakdown
Unexploded Munitions Continue to Claim Lives in Northwest Syria
2/14/2026, 10:01:18 PM
Tragic Incident in Maardabsa
On February 6, 2024, a tragic explosion in the village of Maardabsa, located south of Saraqib in northwest Syria, resulted in the deaths of two young children, Zahraa, aged five, and Muhammad, aged six. The children, along with their cousins Ali, aged three, and Ibrahim, aged twelve, mistakenly believed they were playing with harmless scrap metal, which turned out to be an unexploded cluster munition left behind by government forces loyal to deposed President Bashar al-Assad. The explosion occurred as the children were playing, leading to severe injuries for Ali and Ibrahim, who were rushed to the nearest hospital.
Context of Unexploded Ordnance in Syria
The use of cluster munitions, which have a detonation failure rate of approximately 30%, has been documented in northwest Syria, contributing to a significant humanitarian crisis. The ongoing conflict has left the region littered with unexploded ordnance, posing a continuous threat to civilians, particularly children. Reports indicate that nearly one-third of those killed by such munitions are children, highlighting the vulnerability of this demographic in conflict zones.
Rising Casualties and Broader Implications
The explosion in Maardabsa is part of a larger trend of increasing casualties from unexploded ordnance in Syria. Since December 8, 2024, there have been 1,734 reported casualties, including 633 deaths, with children accounting for 185 of these fatalities. The situation is exacerbated as farmers prepare for the spring harvest, often leading to accidents as they cultivate land that may still contain hidden explosives. Simon Jackson, the Syria Programme Manager for The Halo Trust, noted that desperation drives families to farm their land despite the risks, as food production remains critical in the region.
Criticism of Government Actions
Critics of the Syrian government have pointed to the continued use of banned munitions as a violation of international law and a significant contributor to civilian casualties. The presence of unexploded ordnance not only endangers lives but also hampers recovery efforts in war-torn areas, making it difficult for communities to rebuild and thrive.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the ongoing crisis, organizations like The Halo Trust are actively working to remove unexploded ordnance from affected areas. However, the scale of the problem remains daunting, with a report from the Landmine Monitor indicating that global incidents of landmine-related deaths and injuries reached a four-year high in 2024, driven largely by conflicts in Syria and Myanmar.
Verbatim Quotes
“joy and happiness to the whole family” — Ali Mohammed Al-Abrash, Uncle of the Victims
“We were in complete shock. We didn’t even realise what was happening. We couldn't understand how tragic it was,” — Ali Mohammed Al-Abrash
What's Next
As the agricultural season approaches, the risk of further accidents from unexploded ordnance is expected to rise, prompting urgent calls for increased demining efforts and international support to address the humanitarian crisis in Syria.
