18 Feb 2019 | 07:20 PM UTC
Syria: Twin bombing attack kills 24 people in Idlib February 18
Twin bombing attack kills 24 people and wounds 51 others in Idlib’s Al-Qosor district February 18; no group immediately claims responsibility for attack
Event
A twin bombing attack killed at least 24 people and wounded some 51 others in Idlib (Idlib province) on Monday, February 18. According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the initial blast came from a bomb planted underneath a car in Al-Qosor district; a second explosion, from a bomb attached to a motorcycle, then detonated after emergency responders arrived at the scene. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Similar bombing attacks are possible in Idlib province over the near term.
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.
