The consequences can be fatal. Since 8 December of last year, Syria has witnessed a tragic rise in casualties from explosive ordnance. Between January and June of 2025 alone, there were more than 500 reported accidents, resulting in 1,048 casualties. Unfortunately, children are one of the groups at risk due to explosive ordnance contamination. Globally, civilians constitute more than 80 per cent of casualties from landmines and explosive remnants of war, with nearly half being children, according to the Landmine Monitor Report 2024.

Data of casualties and injury patterns from local hospitals can indicate that a specific area could be contaminated with explosive ordnance. This information can point William and his team in the right direction when searching for areas to clear. As the saying goes, there's no smoke without fire – clusters of reported casualties can sometimes suggest hidden dangers. By closely monitoring this casualty data, he aims to prevent others from suffering the same fate.

William explained that the first step is conducting risk awareness sessions for the local community in partnership with the SARC. Following this, a SARC non-technical survey team might canvas the area, metre by metre, for evidence of explosive ordnance. Then, he and his team will identify and dispose of any ordnance they find. It's painstaking work - but it saves lives.

In the picture below, Will's colleague speaks with a young boy who was wounded by explosive ordnance.

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