Syria is preparing to unveil its first national interactive landmine map. The National Mine Action Center is leading the development of this digital platform to track explosive remnants of war across the country. Officials intend for the resource to provide accessible location data to civilians and organizations operating in affected areas. The project follows long-standing efforts to document contaminated zones, particularly in regions such as Halfaya in the Hama governorate. Authorities plan to release the final version of the map to the public as part of a broader attempt to improve safety for residents returning to previously conflict-heavy sectors.
The development of this digital platform represents a significant technical undertaking for the National Mine Action Center. By consolidating geographic data into a single, user-friendly interface, the agency aims to streamline the process of identifying high-risk zones. This initiative is designed to assist both local residents and humanitarian organizations that require precise information to navigate the landscape safely. The map will serve as a centralized repository for information gathered by field teams tasked with surveying contaminated terrain throughout the country.
Strategic Framework for Mine Action
The National Mine Action Center is implementing a three-year strategic framework for mine action. Raed al-Saleh, Minister of Emergency Services and Disaster Management, stated: "The National Mine Action Center is implementing a three‑year strategic framework for mine action, designed to strengthen national capabilities and accelerate the removal of explosive remnants of war."
This strategic framework focuses on enhancing the coordination between regional authorities and specialized clearance teams. By prioritizing the mapping of explosive remnants of war, the National Mine Action Center seeks to mitigate the risks faced by civilians in their daily lives. The framework also encompasses the training of local personnel to support long-term clearance operations.
Casualties from explosive remnants remain a frequent occurrence in affected regions. A landmine detonated in the town of Halfaya in rural Hama on 26 October 2026. This incident killed a four-year-old child and resulted in injuries to his mother and his uncle. Such events show the urgent necessity for the digital mapping project, which is intended to alert local populations to the presence of hidden dangers in their immediate vicinity.
Data regarding the impact of these remnants on the Syrian population shows significant figures. According to the Cluster Munition Monitor, Syria recorded 68 of 117 global casualties from cluster munition remnants in 2025.
The Cluster Munition Monitor also tracked the physical scope of the contamination. The group estimated between 10 and 99 square kilometers of land in Syria were contaminated by cluster munitions as of 31 December 2025. This assessment provides a baseline for the scale of the challenge that authorities face as they work to clear hazardous remnants. The estimate of 10 to 99 square kilometers reflects the extensive nature of the contamination, noting the importance of the systematic approach being adopted by the National Mine Action Center. By integrating this spatial data into the new national interactive map, the government hopes to provide a clearer picture of the areas that require prioritized clearance efforts to protect civilians and facilitate the return of displaced persons to their homes.
