Landmine blast hits Syria's wildfire-stricken Latakia

DAMASCUS, July 11 (Xinhua) -- A massive explosion caused by unexploded ordnance rocked Syria's wildfire-stricken Latakia countryside on Friday, where fire crews have been battling the blazes for the ninth consecutive day, local authorities said.

According to the state-run Al-Ikhbaria TV, head of Latakia's Civil Defense Abdel Kafi Kayyal said fire crews continue operations despite strong winds and landmine threats, with "the arrival of new reinforcements from several provinces."

Over 150 firefighting teams and 300 vehicles are deployed across critical zones, including Jabal al-Nisr and Burj Zahi, supported by heavy machinery carving firebreaks through forests, the Syrian Civil Defense said on their official Telegram page.

International ground crews from Türkiye and Jordan joined the effort, while 16 aircraft from Syria, Türkiye, Jordan, and Lebanon conducted aerial firefighting.

The EU Delegation to Syria said on the social media platform X that it had activated its "Copernicus" satellite service to provide real-time mapping of fire-affected areas as the wildfires had displaced thousands.

European countries are exploring further aid to Syrians through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, according to the delegation. Enditem