2.4.6. Conflict-related infrastructure damage and explosive remnants of war

Latakia countryside was affected by widespread use of cluster munitions691 and was among the areas most heavily contaminated with landmines in Syria.692 Media reported several incidents with explosive remnants of war. On 17 February 2026 an explosion during a mine-clearing operation in Latakia countryside killed three people. Landmines were widespread in Latakia’s mountains in the northeast of the governorate, particularly in the Jabal Al-Akrad and Jabal Al-Turkman areas.693 SOHR reported about two injured people during a landmine removing operation in Telat Nehshaba in northern Latakia in March 2026.694

Although maps of landmines generated by the Assad regime are accessible, the regime used its own coordinate system to protect the information, which complicates the localisation clearance of landmines. The SIRAJ research identified nine minefields covering around three square kilometres south of Kabana village and southeast of the villages of Aiko, Bouz Al-Kharba, and Basharfa in the Latakia countryside.695

As of January 2026, 62 % of key informants in an IOM assessment monitoring return movements and conditions for reintegration696 reported the presence of mines or unexploded ordnance. 77 % reported that no demining activities were ongoing.697

Furthermore, during the violent clashes in March 2025, property was damaged and destroyed in 15 locations in Tartous, Latakia, and Hama. Entire villages and residential areas were destroyed, including Sanobar, Ain Al Arous, Al Mukhtaria and Jableh in Latakia governorate.698