Attachments
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Overall, the Explosive Ordnance contamination survey in Northeast Syria found a high impact in areas where armed fighting’s has been ongoing the longest. In 2024, the level of contaminated areas waiting for technical or clearance interventions remain dramatic. Thanks to the survey results and combined with additional IMSMA based data, it has been recorded that a staggering number of 749 hazardous areas, totalling 38,012,478.08m2 and 570 Explosive Ordnance spots (single items) continue to cause immediate threats to civilians in NES. This figure is not considering new contamination being spread in areas still affected by this multi sided conflict. While this report is the most comprehensive and best- known picture known at this date in NES, gaps are to be expected, notably in areas where the access is hindered by security considerations.
Numerous districts such as Menbij, Deir Ez Zor, Al Mayadin, Raqqa and Ras Al Ain, have recorded an extreme level of contamination. As such, more than 50% of their communities are affected by the presence of Explosive Ordnance. Worryingly, the governate of Aleppo and Deir Ez Zor have witnessed very limited, close to non-existent, clearance capacities over the recent years. As a consequence, accidents and victims including children, are continuously recorded.
The districts of Abu kamal, At Thawrah and Ain Al Arab (Kobane) are also reportedly highly affected with respectively 41%, 43% and 47% of communities contaminated.
Based on a cost methodology developed by the NES Mine Action Sub Working Group in collaboration with the Whole of Syria Mine Action sector, a minimum of 150 000 000 USD is required to address the current open hazardous areas. This figure is not englobing parallel and mandatory activities such as surveying, risk education and victim assistance. Following the same methodology and considering that clearance capacities remain the same as in 2023, a minimum of 15 years will be required to address current issues. Such figures are also not considering additional contamination, that is inevitable due to the active conflicts in certain areas, proliferating further unexploded and abandoned ordnances.
The results of this survey should be used by the NES authorities and stakeholders to use the limited resources available to direct activities to those most at need. While this report highlights key figures, more work and commitment are required from the international community if Northeast Syria is to make realistic steps towards being free from mines and other Explosive Ordnance. Acting as a Mine Action authority and Center, the NESMAC (NES Mine Action Center) would be responsible for setting such priorities with different stakeholders and develop yearly operational plans.