The Impressive TimesDamascus, March 16, 2024– In a devastating turn of events, a landmine explosion in Syria’s northern al-Raqqa province has resulted in the loss of 16 lives. The incident occurred during a routine truffle gathering activity in the Sabkha region of the province’s eastern rural area.
According to reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the explosion occurred unexpectedly, causing immediate devastation among the truffle collectors. The landmine is suspected to have been left behind by remnants of the Islamic State (IS) group, underscoring the ongoing dangers posed by unexploded ordnance in the region.
Tragically, among the casualties, nine were women. Additionally, at least six individuals sustained severe injuries, further compounding the toll of the incident.
This latest tragedy adds to the somber tally of lives lost to landmine explosions and other ordnance-related incidents across Syria. Since the outset of January 2024, the observatory has recorded a total of 74 fatalities attributed to such occurrences.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks faced by civilians in conflict-affected regions and underscores the urgent need for continued efforts to mitigate the threat of unexploded ordnance and ensure the safety of communities.
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