Contamination by landmine: Syrians are taking risk to survive

Abdallah, 35, from Sabkha near Raqqa city, tells the story of his landmine accident in January 2025: 

Farmers are the most exposed to explosive ordnance 

"I am both a farmer and a shepherd. In January, during truffle season, we went out to collect them. As I was walking, I suddenly found myself flying through the air — I had stepped on a landmine. 

I suffered injuries to my eyes, burns to my face, and shrapnel wounds. I also lost my leg. I remained conscious throughout. I remember looking down and realising that my leg was gone."

Explosive ordnance contamination continues to affect civilians across Syria on an almost daily basis, often in places where people are simply trying to live their lives, farm their land, graze livestock, travel, or provide for their families. Between June 5 and 12 only, 18 explosive ordnance incidents were recorded across Syria, resulting in 19 casualties. Since 8 December 2024, at least 1,288 incidents caused by landmines or remnants of bombs and ammunitions have resulted in 2,319 casualties across the country. 

What poverty does to people 

"The day I was injured, I knew the harvest would not earn me much money — perhaps only enough to buy bread. This is what poverty does to people. Most people who get injured are simply trying to earn a living and support their families. Even when they know the danger, they still go out because they need to survive. 

My leg has already been amputated. What happened to me cannot be undone. But what about everyone else? What about my children? My neighbours?"

90% of people in Syria live under the poverty line, most are unable to bring food to the table. Families have had their resources depleted, with limited employment opportunities, skyrocketing prices, and shortage of basic supplies.  

The contamination is everywhere  

"A month after my accident, my cousin was also injured by a landmine. He did not make it. Accidents like this never stop happening... Once, sixteen people were travelling together to harvest truffles when their vehicle hit a landmine. Every single one of them was either killed or severely injured. 

Our area is covered in sand. Landmines are invisible — there is often no sign that danger lies beneath your feet until it is too late. We keep asking organisations and the authorities to clear them, but the danger remains everywhere. Some families have even tried to remove mines themselves, fearing that their children will be hurt."

Humanity & Inclusion (HI) conducts risk education sessions in villages to raise awareness among people about the danger of contamination (8,035 sessions conducted in 2025). The basic messages are: ‘When you see a suspicious object: do not approach it, do not touch it, inform the authorities and put up a sign to alert others. Removing ordnance by oneself is extremely dangerous!’ 

I still cannot believe I can walk  

"After the accident, I spent four months on heavy medication. My first surgery was unsuccessful, and I suffered severe pain. Every five days, I had to buy new medicines, which were very expensive. At one point, I was spending more than ten dollars a day on medication alone. 

After my injury, I was referred to Raqqa National Hospital with the support of HI. I registered my details and was offered physical rehabilitation services. At first, I did not think I needed rehabilitation, but the doctors encouraged me to continue. I attended multiple sessions until they told me I was ready to be fitted with a prosthesis. I got a prosthesis on 19 May 2026, one and half year after my injury."

Before receiving a prosthesis, a patient follows rehabilitation sessions to strengthen his lower limb. The team also ensures that the stump has the correct shape in order to receive a prosthesis. This step can take several weeks. HI provided 728 persons with prothesis in 2025. 

"The team took my measurements, and just two days later, my prosthesis was ready. Even now, I sometimes cannot believe it. After everything I had been through, being able to stand again felt impossible. I am still amazed by how quickly and efficiently the team supported me and helped me take this step toward rebuilding my life.

Today, I am unemployed. My hope is simple: to find a stable and safe job so that I no longer have to rely on dangerous work such as truffle harvesting. "