On 10 January 2021, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based monitoring group whose aim is to report human rights violations and abuses in Syria, reported that four children were seriously injured on the outskirts of Al-Bakamal city. The injuries were due to the explosion of an old landmine in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor.

Just one day prior to the explosion, SOHR has also documented the death of a child and injury of his mother in Al-Izba area, in the north of Deir Ezzor city. Local sources stated that the cause of the explosion was an old, unexploded ordnance. However, others believe that the explosion took place after a shell was fired by artillery. According to this latter hypothesis, the shell was fired by forces stationed at Koniko gas field, which is where International Coalition Forces and Syria Democratic Forces conduct joint drills.

SOHR has reported a total death toll of 416, including 71 women and 123 children, since January 2019. In addition, an increasing number of civilians have recently been killed by a landmine or unexploded bombs. Many fatalities are also caused by war-damaged residential buildings collapsing in Homs, Hama Deir Ezzor and Aleppo.

To know more, please read:

https://www.syriahr.com/en/199777/

https://www.syriahr.com/en/199901/

https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2019/country-chapters/syria

Author: Barbara Caltabiano; Editor: Gianmarco Italia