White Helmets Report: 453 Areas Contaminated with Hazardous Waste in Syria

The Syrian Civil Defense Teams, known as the “White Helmets,” have confirmed that 453 areas in Syria are contaminated with remnants of war, posing a direct threat to civilian lives. The organization reported through its official channels that between November 26, 2024, and April 1, 2025, its teams conducted an unexploded ordnance clearance operation and carried out 372 non-technical surveys in various locations, successfully disposing of 2,059 pieces of munitions.

The teams continue their efforts to mitigate the risks associated with these remnants by performing surveys and clearing mines and unexploded ordnance. They also organize awareness sessions aimed at educating communities about the dangers of hazardous waste. In total, the organization conducted 690 awareness sessions, benefiting more than 14,843 civilians.

The Civil Defense has previously warned that incidents involving unexploded ordnance occur almost daily, causing what they describe as a “delayed death” for many Syrians in affected areas. According to their reports, these incidents resulted in 62 separate accidents that killed 46 individuals, including 7 children, and injured 74 others, 13 of whom were children. The regions most affected include Idlib governorate, followed by Deir ez-Zor, Aleppo, and Lattakia.

Amal Farhat

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