Mines
For years, Mohammad Hamidi had been away from his village of Al-Ahras in the Serekaniye/Ras al-Ayn countryside, after being displaced, like many other families, by years of conflict. When the time came to return, he knew that the area was no longer as it had been. The effects of war were still present, and some of the surrounding areas continued to pose unknown risks.
In March 2026, Mohammad participated in mine and explosive remnants of war (ERW) risk awareness sessions at the Serekaniye Camp in Hasakah city, organized by Roj Community Protection (RCP). For him, the knowledge he gained was preparation for a new life in which he would need to protect his family and community.
On 10 August 2026, Mohammad returned to his village. As a teacher, he sees his responsibility as extending beyond his own family to include the children he teaches and the wider community around him.
Mohammad says:
“So far, we have not heard of any mines being present or found any inside our village. However, the area has experienced many years of war, and there are many destroyed houses that may pose risks. The surrounding areas may also contain hazards. This is why raising awareness about the risks of mines and explosive remnants of war is so important.”
Mohammad also emphasizes the importance of supervising children and keeping them away from the areas surrounding the village, saying:
“It is important that we keep an eye on our children and our neighbours’ children, and make sure they do not go into the areas surrounding the village, because we still do not know what may be there.”
He also highlights the importance of having nearby and adequately equipped health facilities, saying:
“There are no nearby health facilities that can provide specialized first aid in the event of an accident, God forbid. It is therefore important to have nearby, well-equipped health services capable of responding quickly and providing initial care to those injured.”
Today, Mohammad carries back to Al-Ahras the knowledge he gained before his return, along with a sense of responsibility towards the children and families around him. His story shows how mine and explosive remnants of war risk awareness can support returning communities in making safer decisions in areas that continue to bear the effects of conflict.