Syria’s wildfires are the first major natural disaster since the country overthrew the al-Assad regime in December.
🔥 Syrians Confronting Wildfires Amid Landmine Threats
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Widespread devastation: Since July 2, wildfires have ravaged over 14,000 hectares (≈ 34,600 acres) in Latakia province, specifically in the highlands around Qastal Maaf and the al-Frunloq reserve.
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Arduous conditions: Steep, ash-laden mountain roads, scorching heat (~35 °C), shifting winds, and thick smoke are making access by firefighting teams extremely difficult.
⚠️ Landmines and UXOs: Hidden Hazards
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Legacy of conflict: Syria remains severely contaminated by war-era explosives. An estimated 11.5 million people live in areas with explosive remnants, including around 300,000 landmines
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Deadly ignition: Fire heat can and has triggered buried mines and unexploded ordnance (UXOs), posing grave danger to those on the front line.
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Human toll: Between December and June alone, there were 369 explosive ordnance-related deaths/injuries
