Syria: Deadly attack in Damascus market March 20

Event

On Tuesday, March 20, a rocket attack in a busy market in the eastern suburbs of the capital Damascus killed at least 38 people. This represents one of the deadliest incidents in the capital since the beginning of the Syrian Civil War in 2011. The army claims that the rocket was launched by rebel forces who hold territory nearby in parts of Eastern Ghouta.

Context

The Ghouta area is one of the last strongholds of Syrian opposition fighters in the Damascus region. Syrian and Russian government forces began to escalate their aerial bombing campaign of Eastern Ghouta in mid-February. These strikes have resulted in high civilian casualties.

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.