Mine clearance in Sere Kaniye faces field obstacles

Mine clearance operations and the removal of explosive remnants of war are continuing in the countryside of Sere Kaniye to clear the area and secure roads and open spaces ahead of the return of displaced people. The operations face several field challenges, including the extensive areas contaminated with landmines, the presence of military positions in several targeted areas, and limited support for organisations working in the field.

Speaking to ANHA agency, Co-Chair of the Hasakah Mine Clearance Centre Goli Jamo said: “Two months ago, we began removing landmines and explosive remnants of war in the countryside of Sere Kaniye to clear the area ahead of the return of displaced people and secure the region.”

Extensive Minefields and Military Positions

Jamo said the wide areas contaminated with landmines and explosive remnants of war represent one of the main obstacles to clearance operations, particularly areas stretching from the international highway to the outskirts of Zarghan town, which were conflict zones in previous years.

She noted that some military positions remain in the area, making it impossible at present to determine when mine clearance and area decontamination operations will be completed.

“So far, we have removed dozens of landmines and surveyed dozens of kilometres in the area, but the numbers remain high. Mines were planted in agricultural lands, villages and public facilities,” she said.

Three Main Roads Top Clearance Priorities

Jamo explained: “From the beginning, clearance operations have focused on three main roads: the M4 highway, the Tel Tamr–Sere Kaniye road, and the Derbasiyah–Sere Kaniye road, in addition to several secondary roads, in order to open them for the return of displaced people.

“The second phase involves clearing the areas surrounding the roads, while the third phase focuses on agricultural lands and open areas. The main priority is the roads so they can be used for the return of displaced people.”

On delays in opening the main roads, Jamo said: “There are major obstacles on the ground facing organisations working in mine clearance. There are many military positions, and organisations cannot operate near them because of their safety requirements.

“On the other hand, the military forces have restrictions preventing people from approaching their positions. Based on the surveys we have conducted, the areas surrounding the military positions have been confirmed as dangerous.”

Limited Support Adds to Organisations’ Difficulties

Jamo noted that three organisations are currently working on mine clearance: two international organisations involved in mine clearance and a local organisation focused on mine-risk awareness.

“Because of the widespread presence of mines, these organisations face major difficulties in surveying and clearing the areas of landmines and explosive remnants of war. Support for them is also limited, despite the pressure on us to hand over these areas quickly,” she said.

Coordination to Overcome Field Obstacles

Jamo, said they are coordinating with security and government authorities and all parties concerned with landmines and their dangers to facilitate the work of organisations operating on the ground and overcome the obstacles they face.

On the timeline, she said: “We cannot determine when we will finish clearing the targeted area.”

At the end of her statement, Jamo urged residents of the area to deal with the issue cautiously and called on international organisations to support eastern Syria, particularly the city of Sere Kaniye.

ANHA