Five people were killed after a landmine exploded in the vicinity of the T4 (Tiyas) Air Base in the eastern countryside of Homs province, local authorities confirmed on Friday.

According to the Homs Media Directorate, engineering teams from the Syrian Army discovered the bodies while conducting a mine-clearance operation in the area surrounding the strategic air base along the Homs–Palmyra Road.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the victims entered the restricted security zone around the air base without authorization several days before the incident. Authorities said the individuals were killed when a landmine detonated after they entered the hazardous area.

The directorate noted that the bodies were located during ongoing efforts to remove explosive remnants and secure areas affected by years of conflict.

The incident highlights the continuing threat posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance across Syria, particularly in regions that witnessed intense military operations during the country's prolonged conflict.

The deadly blast comes only days after another landmine explosion in the al-Sukhnah area of eastern Homs countryside. In that incident, a child was killed and two other people were injured when a device left behind from previous fighting detonated, according to local authorities.

Despite ongoing demining campaigns carried out by military engineering units and specialized teams, explosive remnants of war continue to endanger civilians in many parts of Syria. Authorities have repeatedly urged residents to avoid entering military zones and areas that have not been fully cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance. (ILKHA)