Syria: Damascus police station attacked Oct. 2

Event

On Monday, October 2, coordinated suicide attacks were carried out on a police station in the Al-Midan neighborhood of the capital Damascus. Three suicide bombers, including one in a vehicle, detonated their explosives in and around the police station. The explosions left over ten police officers and civilians dead, according to state-run television. The blasts are said to have damaged the lower floors of the station and shattered windows. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

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, Syrian rebel groups, the Russian government, the Iranian government, the Turkish government, a US-led coalition, and numerous other armed groups (including the Islamic State) with competing goals.

Advice

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