As Syria grapples with the aftermath of its devastating civil war, a hidden and lingering danger remains—unexploded ordnance (UXO). According to the NGO Humanity and Inclusion (HI), more than 15 million Syrians, nearly two-thirds of the country’s population, are at risk from these remnants of conflict. The explosion of conflict-related weapons, which includes unexploded munitions like barrel bombs and booby traps, poses a serious threat to the safety and recovery of the nation.
Between 100,000 and 300,000 explosive devices were dropped or deployed throughout the conflict, but many failed to detonate, leaving deadly remnants scattered across the land. The notorious barrel bombs, deployed by the Syrian military under Bashar al-Assad’s regime, are particularly notorious for causing uncounted casualties and destruction. These crude weapons, dropped from helicopters, often failed to explode on impact, creating an enduring and deadly legacy in Syria’s neighborhoods and countryside.
In addition to the regime’s bombs, remnants from the Islamic State (ISIS) also contribute significantly to the peril. The group’s use of sophisticated booby traps throughout its controlled territories further complicates the recovery efforts. These devices, hidden in roads, buildings, and farmland, continue to endanger civilians and thwart efforts to restore normalcy.
Addressing this immense risk requires a coordinated and substantial cleanup effort, but progress is hindered by two major challenges: limited funding and international sanctions. Although Syria’s government has acknowledged the need for demining, external support is essential for an effective recovery program, yet Western sanctions impede international cooperation. The financial and logistical hurdles in mobilizing resources for demining operations have created a bottleneck in the recovery process.
The scale of the problem is staggering. In addition to the immediate danger to lives, these unexploded devices severely restrict Syria’s ability to rebuild. Agricultural areas are contaminated, civilians are displaced from their homes, and key infrastructure remains blocked from reconstruction. The longer these munitions remain undetected, the longer Syria’s path to recovery will be delayed.
The need for a massive and coordinated demining operation is urgent. However, for such an initiative to succeed, overcoming the dual barriers of funding and sanctions is crucial. As international efforts continue to explore ways to support Syria’s recovery, the unaddressed threat of unexploded ordnance remains a dire reality.
