Landmines in northern Syria kill civilians trying to return home

Five civilians have been killed by landmine explosions in northern Syria's Aleppo province as they attempted to return to their homes, according to a Syrian government media directorate. The agency alleges the mines were deliberately laid by the YPG/SDF, also accusing the group of imposing a deadly siege on several villages and obstructing a major aid delivery.

Fatal Mine Explosions Near Strategic Dams

The Aleppo Media Directorate stated on Tuesday that the victims died when landmines detonated in villages near the strategic Tishrin and Qara Qozak dams. The directorate asserted that "the group had planted landmines in a large number of civilian homes prior to its withdrawal," deliberately targeting areas where displaced residents would likely return. For safety, the directorate urged civilians not to enter villages along the contact lines until Syrian security and engineering teams can clear the area of explosives. This incident highlights the severe and lingering dangers for civilians in territories recently contested by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and government troops.

Accusations of a "Suffocating Siege" and Blocked Aid

Beyond the landmines, the Aleppo Media Directorate leveled grave accusations against the SDF, claiming it has imposed a "suffocating siege" for days on villages including al-Jaada, al-Qubba, and Tal Ahmar. The statement said this blockade prevents the delivery of humanitarian aid, leaving more than 50,000 people trapped. It further accused SDF forces and affiliated militias of targeting civilians with machine-gun and sniper fire in other villages. Aid groups have reportedly been forced to use "dangerous water routes" to deliver limited bread and supplies, which are insufficient for local needs. The directorate also claimed the SDF is preventing access to the site of a reported January 21 mass killing south of Ayn al-Arab (Kobani).

Humanitarian Convoys and Calls for Adherence to Agreements

In a separate development aimed at addressing the crisis, a humanitarian convoy organized by the Central Committee for Aleppo Response, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent delivered food and medical supplies to the Ayn al-Arab area. The statement noted that "hundreds of civilians were able to leave" through a designated crossing after shelter centers were prepared in Sarrin town and Aleppo city. The Aleppo Media Directorate concluded by calling on the SDF to adhere to existing agreements with the Syrian state to allow the entry of government institutions and security forces, arguing this is necessary "to ensure security, stability and the safety of civilians" in the region.