At least four killed, 36 civilians hurt as mine explodes in Deir ez-Zor

According to Syrian state-run news agency SANA, a mine planted by Daesh militants exploded Saturday in the Syrian eastern province of Deir ez-Zo province, Trend reported according to Sputnik.

As a result of the blast in the village of Shoula, four local residents were killed and 36 people were injured, SANA reported.

The years-long armed conflict in Syria appears to be nearing its end, according to reports, although the country is still burdened with routine violent clashes and the presence of armed rebel and terrorist groups. Syrian military engineering units regularly carry out operations to clear mines and other types of explosive devices left throughout the country by retreating terrorists.

A similar incident occurred in late February, after a mine planted by Daesh militants in Shoula exploded near a vehicle carrying civilians. The blast reportedly killed one person and injured 10.

According to United Nations data made public in January, the Daesh terror group continues to control parts of Deir ez-Zor in the middle Euphrates river valley, where some civilians remain trapped amid continued airstrikes.

UN assessments on Syria reportedly continue to cast doubt on a declaration by US President Donald Trump in December 2018 that Daesh had been defeated.

Syria has been engulfed in a civil war since 2011, with government forces fighting numerous opposition factions and terrorist groups. The conflict has significantly worsened the humanitarian situation in the Arab republic, forcing an estimated 12 million people to flee their homes or flee the country, according to UN reports.