In the port city of Lattakia, Syria, a tragic explosion has claimed the lives of at least 16 people. This devastating incident occurred when ordnance from Syria’s ongoing 13-year conflict ignited, leading to a building’s collapse.
The Syrian Civil Defense, known as the White Helmets, reported that the explosion took place in a metal scrap storage space located on the ground floor of a four-story building. The aftermath was catastrophic, with emergency teams tirelessly working through the night to retrieve 16 bodies, among them five women and five children. Additionally, 18 others sustained injuries in the blast.
This incident underscores the persistent dangers faced by civilians in conflict zones, even as active combat subsides. The United Nations highlighted in a February report that over 100 lives have been lost to exploding ordnance throughout the conflict’s duration. Moreover, since the removal of Bashar Assad, over 1,400 unexploded devices have been safely eliminated, and 138 hazardous areas have been identified across various Syrian regions, including Idleb, Aleppo, Hama, Deir-ez-Zor, and Lattakia.
The recent upsurge in violence in Lattakia, a strategic port city, has drawn attention to the ongoing instability in Syria’s coastal provinces. After a security patrol was ambushed by gunmen loyal to Assad, government forces and allied factions launched a counter-offensive, resulting in widespread damage. These clashes have not only caused destruction but have also led to revenge attacks against members of the Alawite community, to which the Assad family belongs.
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Such violence has claimed over 1,000 lives, highlighting the enduring cycle of retaliation and bloodshed that continues to plague the region. As debris is cleared and families mourn, the need for comprehensive demining efforts and conflict resolution remains urgent.
The recent explosion in Lattakia serves as a stark reminder of the enduring hazards posed by leftover ordnance from prolonged conflicts. This tragedy highlights the urgent need for sustained mine-clearance operations and peace-building initiatives in Syria.
