Landmine explosion kills civilian in Deir ez-Zor countryside
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A landmine explosion claimed on Monday the life of a young man in the countryside of Deir ez-Zor, local sources reported, highlighting the persistent danger posed by remnants of Syria’s years of conflict.
According to the North Press correspondent in Deir ez-Zor, the victim, identified as Bashar Kamil Saleh al-Bakr, was from the town of al-Salihiyah in the Boukamal countryside. He lost his life after stepping on an improvised explosive device left behind by armed groups that had previously operated in the area.
The incident underscores a broader issue across Syria: the extensive presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) scattered across former conflict zones. These remnants continue to pose serious threats to civilian life, particularly in rural areas where clearance operations remain limited. Children and farmers are especially at risk, as farmland and residential areas remain contaminated.
Al-Boukamal, located near Syria’s eastern border with Iraq, was a focal point of hostilities involving various armed factions, including Iran-backed militias, before being brought under the control of the Syrian government forces. However, the threat of landmines and unexploded ordnance continues to pose a serious risk to residents. The widespread presence of these remnants of war endangers civilians’ daily lives and hampers safe access to farmland, roads, and residential areas.
Residents of al-Salihiyah and surrounding areas have repeatedly called for intensified demining efforts to ensure safe access to agricultural lands and main roads. Humanitarian organizations have warned that without systematic clearance, similar casualties will continue.
The landmine explosion in al-Boukamal adds to a growing tally of civilian casualties caused by remnants of war in Deir ez-Zor province this year.