A devastating explosion triggered by unexploded ordnance destroyed a home in northwestern Syria’s Nairbab village on Thursday, killing four civilians, including two women and a child. The Syrian Civil Defense (White Helmets) confirmed the blast originated from a device brought into the residence, highlighting the persistent threat of wartime remnants. Rescue teams continue searching for potential victims trapped under debris.
Syria’s 13-year civil war has left behind thousands of mines, IEDs, and unexploded ordnance, creating an ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Every day, civilians face invisible threats beneath their homes,stated a White Helmets spokesperson. These hazards have claimed countless lives since 2011, displacing over half of Syria’s pre-war population of 23 million.
Key factors exacerbating the crisis include:
- Improvised explosive devices in residential areas
- Decades-old unexploded munitions
- Limited international de-mining support
Thursday’s tragedy underscores the war’s long-term toll. Over 500,000 people have died in the conflict, with survivors navigating a landscape riddled with hidden dangers. The White Helmets, often first responders in such emergencies, emphasize the urgent need for global attention to Syria’s unexploded ordnance crisis.