As IS retreats, local Syrian group races to clear mines
A group of local Syrians are working to remove mines and unexploded ordnance in areas recently liberated by the Islamic State in northern Syria and Iraq, but can't always complete the work before civilians return to their homes.
The village of Kalta, just east of Raqqa, was recently retaken from the Islamic State by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). In June, the local Roj Mine Control Organization (RMCO) came to clear the area before the villagers returned.
The whole area — including homes, a power facility and a school — was mined, RMCO's deputy CEO Roni Teran told Al-Monitor. The villagers asked the four-member team to clear the school first. They were hoping to have the building ready for the start of the semester.
As his team members stood outside, Zana Kalhur, who learned demining in the Syrian military before the revolution, went to work. Despite his precautions, the mines were triggered, throwing the team to the ground and killing Kalhur. Teran said he later saw a picture of the explosive devices, constructed of two big barrels and a metal oxygen container.
“He was a real expert and we depended on him a lot,” said Teran. “He loved what he did.”
