Beyond the Headlines Podcast: A war where even toys can kill

In this episode, we look at the devastating effects of booby traps and landmines

In this Thursday, April 5, 2018 photo, children look from the window of their house that was damaged last summer during fighting between U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces fighters and Islamic State militants, in Raqqa, Syria. Six months after IS was driven out, residents of Raqqa feel they have been abandoned as the world moves on. They are trying to rebuild but fear everyone around them: the Kurdish-led militia that administers the majority Arab city; Syrian government forces nearby; gangs who kidnap or rob whoever shows signs of having money; and IS militants who may still be hiding among the people. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
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Extremist groups in Syria are planting landmines and booby traps all over the country with the intention of killing civilians. Even children aren't safe from bombs that are often disguised as toys.

In this week's Beyond the Headlines, we look at the situation in Syria and the growing civilian deaths from the perspective of humanitarian efforts aimed at helping those affected by these attacks.

Imad Aoun is a field communications adviser for Doctors Without Borders. We talk to him about a report he helped publish out of the organisation that presented their findings on the mine and booby trap situation in Syria.

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Beyond the Headlines, produced by Kevin Jeffers, is The National's weekly podcast for analysis and insight from the Middle East. Follow, subscribe and rate us at Apple PodcastsAudioboomPocket Cast or your favourite podcasting application.