Syria: Suicide car bomb kills nine in Hader Nov. 3

Event

A Tahrir Al-Sham suicide car bomb attack in Hader (Quneitra province) in the Syrian Golan Heights killed at least nine people and wounded at least 23 others on Friday, November 3, according to Syrian state media. The death toll from the attack, which was launched from the nearby Talul Al-Hamr area, is expected to rise in the coming days, as many of those wounded are in critical condition. According to media reports, the Tahrir Al-Sham militants attacked Hader following the bombing, leading to heavy clashes between the militants, Syrian government forces, and "Popular Defense Groups" (pro-government militias); further casualties have been reported.

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 IS) 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.