Syria: VBIED attack reported near Russian Embassy in Damascus January 24

Event

A vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) detonated near the Russian Embassy in the Al-Adawi neighborhood of Damascus on Thursday, January 24. Syrian state media reported no associated casualties but claimed that the bomb caused material damages; the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that four people were lightly wounded. No claim of responsibility was immediately reported.  

Context

To date, the Syrian Civil War - which began in 2011 - involves many parties, including the Syrian government, the Russian government, the Iranian government, the Turkish government, a US-led coalition, and numerous armed groups on the ground (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.