The explosive remnants of war (ERW) in the city of Raqqa
At the end of October 2017, the US-led coalition announced the expulsion of ISIS from the city of Raqqa. Since then, the world has witnessed the extent of the destruction in the city and its countryside through images and videos broadcast on television and social media. These images have also shocked the local population due to the extent of the devastation that has turned their city and neighborhoods into rubble. The most frightening issue for residents of Raqqa is the spread of mines in the city’s streets and houses, and the use of booby traps that have killed dozens trying to return to their homes.
Raqqa’s residents call on the world to clear mines and rubble to ensure the safe return of displaced people.
Despite the many promises of clearing mines and rubble, there have been delays in initiating them in Raqqa. As a result, people are extremely dissatisfied. They are waiting for their city to become safer and clear from mines before returning to their homes and starting to rebuild.
The international community must take prompt action to alleviate the suffering of people, prevent them from becoming victims of ERW, and restore hope to them.
The Syrian Civic Platform, through its Raqqa Local Platform, has been closely monitoring the humanitarian situation in the city of Raqqa and its countryside during the military campaign against ISIS and after their expulsion from the city. The aim is to draw attention to the destruction of the city and its countryside, and highlight the massive proliferation of mines that endanger the lives of those at risk and hinders the return of displaced persons.
The Raqqa Local Platform has published a report on the explosive remnants of war (ERW) by collecting information and testimonies as well as interviewing those directly affected by ERW.