Four refugees from Hasekê reportedly lost their lives in a mine explosion after the Turkish Gendarmerie in Mardin province in Turkey, which borders Syria, forced them into a minefield whilst they were trying to cross the border into Kızıltepe.

They died on 5 October. According to Yeni Yaşam, their autopsies indicated that they had lost their lives due to explosive injuries. It has been reported that some of the relatives of the deceased have contacted the Human Rights Association (İHD).

The İHD’s Mardin Branch issued the following statement: “It has become commonplace for civilians to lose their lives, get injured and be subjected to ill-treatment along the North and East Syria border. This mined area, which should be de-mined according to the Ottawa Convention, still continues to take lives”.

Following the statement, the İHD appealed to the Mardin Governorate to initiate an administrative investigation into the incident and reveal its findings to the general public. The İHD also stated that the bodies of the refugees should be returned to their families.