At Least 16 Killed After Unexploded Bomb from Syria’s Civil War Goes Off in Latakia

The lingering impact of Syria’s 13-year civil war resurfaced in a devastating explosion in the coastal city of Latakia. At least 16 people lost their lives and 18 others were injured when an unexploded ordnance (UXO) detonated in a residential area.

The blast, triggered by a scrap dealer unknowingly handling the old bomb, highlights the persistent dangers posed by remnants of war even years after active conflict has subsided.

The Tragic Explosion in Latakia

The explosion occurred in Latakia, one of Syria’s key coastal cities, when a scrap dealer came into contact with an old bomb that had remained undetonated since the country’s prolonged war.

The impact was catastrophic, leveling a four-story residential building and trapping numerous residents under debris. The powerful blast reduced the structure to rubble, scattering heavy concrete slabs across the area and causing severe injuries to those in the vicinity.

Rescue operations by the White Helmets, a well-known paramedic group, continued overnight as emergency workers raced against time to save those trapped.

In a statement on Telegram, the group confirmed that at least 16 bodies were retrieved, including five women and five children. Several survivors were also pulled from the wreckage and rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

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Video footage shared on social media captured the harrowing efforts of first responders, as they worked tirelessly to clear debris and locate victims. This tragic incident is yet another reminder of the long-lasting consequences of war, where unexploded ordnance continues to pose a deadly threat to civilians.

The Persistent Threat of Unexploded Ordnance

The presence of unexploded ordnance remains one of the most pressing dangers in Syria. According to a UN report published in February, nearly 100 people have died in the last 13 years due to similar incidents.

The risk is particularly high in war-ravaged provinces such as Idleb, Aleppo, Hama, Deir-ez-Zor, and Latakia, where unexploded bombs, mines, and other remnants of war still litter the landscape.

Humanitarian organizations estimate that between 100,000 and 300,000 munitions used during the conflict failed to detonate and remain scattered across Syria, posing a constant threat to civilians. Aid group Humanity and Inclusion has identified at least 138 minefields and contaminated areas that require urgent clearance.

In Latakia, Syria, an EU- and UK-backed Islamist HTS jihadist weapons cache erupted, obliterating the site. These Islamist terror gangs are massacring defenseless unarmed Christians and Alawites/Shia with these weapons. Rise now to end this genocide!pic.twitter.com/Bx2hreKNzo

— Mathis Mateo, MD ✝️☦️☯️☀️🌟🌙🕉🌹💎🚀👽 (@mateo_tao) March 16, 2025

Since the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad in December, intensified efforts have been made to clear explosive remnants. Disposal teams have managed to neutralize over 1,400 unexploded devices thus far. However, the sheer scale of the problem makes it a daunting task, requiring significant resources and expertise to ensure civilian safety.

Despite these efforts, the presence of undetonated explosives hinders Syria’s recovery. Many displaced residents remain unable to return to their homes due to the ongoing danger. The lack of proper demining infrastructure and funding only exacerbates the problem, leaving many communities vulnerable to further tragedies like the one in Latakia.

Rising Violence and Political Instability in Syria

The deadly explosion in Latakia occurred amid heightened tensions in Syria. Public celebrations were taking place across the country to mark the 14th anniversary of the uprising against Bashar al-Assad’s rule. However, violence has continued to escalate in various regions, with Latakia witnessing a surge in deadly incidents in recent months.

Recently, an ambush by pro-Assad loyalists targeted a security patrol, triggering a counteroffensive by Syria’s new ruling faction. The new Islamist-led government, under interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, swiftly responded, crushing the insurgency with force. However, this crackdown came at a heavy cost, leading to extensive destruction and loss of life.

In a series of retaliatory attacks, President Sharaa’s forces targeted and massacred hundreds of people from the Alawite community, the sect to which Assad’s family belongs. This act of retribution has further deepened sectarian divisions in Syria, reigniting fears of continued bloodshed and instability in the region.

As violence continues to surge, the future remains uncertain for Syria. The Latakia explosion serves as a grim reminder that the remnants of war, both in the form of physical destruction and political unrest, continue to haunt the country’s citizens.

Unless comprehensive efforts are made to address these underlying issues, Syria’s path to stability and recovery will remain fraught with challenges.