news.sky.com
Syria's Unexploded Ordnance Crisis: A Deminer's Fight for Civilian Safety
In Raqqa, Syria, mine disposal expert Sunil Thapa risks his life daily defusing unexploded ordnance left by ISIS and other combatants during the Syrian civil war, as hundreds of thousands of civilians return to homes amid over 1,100 casualties from landmines and unexploded ordnance since the fall of Assad, including nearly 500 deaths.
- What is the immediate impact of unexploded ordnance on civilians returning to Raqqa and other conflict zones in Syria?
- In Raqqa, Syria, hundreds of thousands of people are returning to homes after the fall of ISIS, but unexploded ordnance left by multiple sides in the decade-long civil war poses a deadly threat. Mine disposal expert Sunil Thapa, working for the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), defuses these explosives daily, prioritizing areas with the most immediate danger. His work is dangerous; if something goes wrong while defusing a mine, he wants to be the only casualty.
- How do the actions of mine disposal experts like Sunil Thapa mitigate the long-term consequences of the Syrian civil war?
- The return of civilians to conflict zones like Raqqa highlights the long-term consequences of war, specifically the presence of unexploded ordnance that continues to endanger lives years after fighting ends. Sunil Thapa's work exemplifies the human cost of conflict and the ongoing need for humanitarian demining efforts, with over 1,100 casualties from landmines and unexploded ordnance since the fall of Assad, including nearly 500 deaths.
- What are the future implications of the ongoing refugee return for humanitarian demining efforts in Syria, and what challenges lie ahead?
- The ongoing return of Syrian refugees, expected to reach two million by 2025, will exacerbate the unexploded ordnance threat in areas like Raqqa. This necessitates increased funding and resources for organizations like MAG to expand their demining operations and mitigate the risk to civilians. Sunil Thapa's dedication highlights the urgency of addressing the lasting impact of conflict and the need for sustained international support.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative focuses intensely on Sunil Thapa's personal experiences and bravery, creating a compelling human-interest story. This framing, while effective in engaging the reader, might overshadow the larger humanitarian crisis and the systematic challenges of mine clearance in post-conflict zones like Raqqa. The headline and opening sentences highlight the personal risk, emphasizing individual heroism over the broader systemic issues. This could unintentionally minimize the complex political and humanitarian factors driving the need for mine clearance operations.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective, although terms like "unspeakable violence and horrors" are emotionally charged. The description of the landmines as posing a "deadly threat" is also quite direct. While these choices aim to convey the gravity of the situation, they could be slightly toned down for a more neutral approach, perhaps using phrases like "significant danger" or "serious risks" instead. The use of "beg to your God" in a direct quote from Sunil Thapa is also an emotionally charged phrase, but the article properly attributes the sentiment to the subject.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Sunil Thapa's experiences and the dangers of unexploded ordnance in Raqqa, Syria. While it mentions the broader context of the Syrian civil war and the return of refugees, it lacks detailed information on the political and social factors contributing to the current situation. The article also omits perspectives from Syrian civilians beyond a few brief quotes, neglecting the lived experiences of those directly affected by the landmines and the ongoing challenges they face in rebuilding their lives. The long-term effects of the conflict and the humanitarian assistance efforts beyond mine clearance are barely touched upon. While this may be due to space constraints, the lack of broader context might limit the reader's understanding of the larger issues at play.
Gender Bias
The article does not exhibit overt gender bias. Sunil Thapa is the central figure, and his experiences are presented without gendered assumptions or stereotypes. However, the absence of female perspectives within the mine clearance operations or amongst the affected civilian population is notable and represents a potential area for improvement in future reporting.
Sustainable Development Goals
Sunil Thapa's work directly contributes to peace and justice by removing explosive remnants of war, thereby reducing the risk of civilian casualties and fostering safer communities. His actions support the establishment of strong institutions capable of ensuring safety and security for returning refugees. The article highlights the high number of casualties from unexploded ordnance, emphasizing the urgent need for his work and the importance of establishing safe conditions for returning civilians.