Three Children Injured in Unexploded Ordnance Blast in Eastern Syria
By Kardo Roj
DEIR EZZOR, Syria (North Press) – Three children sustained serious injuries on Wednesday after an unexploded ordnance (UXO) detonated in the town of Al-Ashara in rural Deir Ezzor, eastern Syria.
The incident occurred when the children reportedly tampered with an unexploded shell left over from previous conflict, triggering the blast. According to North Press correspondent on the ground, the children suffered severe wounds and were immediately transported to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment.
Explosive remnants of war continue to pose a significant danger across Deir Ezzor and other parts of northeastern Syria, causing monthly casualties predominantly among civilians, especially children.
Since the outbreak of the Syrian conflict, thousands have been killed or injured by mines, unexploded shells, and improvised explosive devices scattered across populated and rural areas alike. Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly called for intensified clearance operations and public awareness campaigns to mitigate risks.
Local residents in eastern Deir Ezzor remain vulnerable to these hidden hazards, which hinder safe movement and the return of displaced populations. The ongoing presence of such devices complicates recovery efforts and underscores the long-term consequences of prolonged warfare.
The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), together with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), have implemented coordinated demining efforts and safety programs in many parts of the northeast, contributing to reducing casualties and improving community safety. However, challenges persist, especially in areas that have seen repeated shifts in control and limited access for humanitarian actors.
The medical center near Al-Ashara treated the injured children following the explosion. Their current health status remains undisclosed.
This tragic incident adds to the growing toll of civilian victims injured by remnants of war in eastern Syria, emphasizing the urgent need for expanded clearance activities and preventive measures.