Clearing landmines in Syria – level 3
21-04-2025 15:00
After 14 years of civil war, Syria is filled with landmines and unexploded bombs that still kill and injure people.
A team from the HALO Trust is working to make the land safe again. In Sarak, northern Syria, experts risk their lives every day to clean fields and allow people to return home. It takes a long time to clear even a small area. Locals are often forced to return before areas are safe because they have no other choice. Some even hire untrained workers, which leads to more accidents.
The HALO Trust has limited resources and staff, so they ask for more support. They also teach people, including children, how to stay safe. Despite the danger, many workers continue because they feel a strong need to help and want to show that life can go on after injury. Sadly, thousands of Syrians have died due to landmines. Even animals and farmers are still at risk in dangerous fields.
Difficult words: untrained (without enough training or skills), resources (a supply of money, materials, or staff).
You can watch the video news lower on this page.
What challenges arise during demining efforts in Sarak, and how do these difficulties force local residents into making risky choices about returning home?
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