Syria: Rocket hits Damascus trade fair August 20

Event

A rocket struck close to the entrance of an international trade fair in Damascus on Sunday, August 20. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said about five people were killed and a dozen more injured in the attack. The fair, which opened on Thursday, August 17, had been considered a key business event before the Syrian conflict broke out, and the decision to resume the fair this year was intended to be symbolic of peace returning to Syria. Although the fair was scheduled to run an additional ten days, all remaining trade fair events have been canceled in the wake of the rocket strike. 

Context

Syria is enmeshed in a complex civil war that started between the Assad government and opposition forces in March 2011. Today, the conflict in Syria involves many parties, including the Syrian government, the Russian government, the Iranian government, the Turkish government, a United States-led coalition, and numerous armed groups on the ground (including the Islamic State) with competing goals. Multiple rounds of negotiations to establish a political solution to the civil war have taken place in Geneva. More recently, Russia-initiated rounds of peace talks have taken place in Astana but do not include a US delegation as an active participant.

Advice

Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some countries banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.