Syria: IS-claimed bomb explosions kill eight people in Raqqa April 9

Event

Bomb explosions killed at least eight people in Raqqa (Raqqa province), including four US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters and four civilians, on Tuesday, April 9. At least three other people were wounded in the blasts, which were claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group. Similar IS attacks are possible in northern Syria over the near term.

Context

IS has lost virtually all of the territory it once controlled in Iraq and Syria after suffering major military defeats following its 2014 offensive. The SDF is a US-backed umbrella group of militias, led by the primarily Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), and a belligerent in the Syrian Civil War.

The SDF has ousted IS from several areas formerly under the jihadist group's control, notably including Raqqa, Al-Tabqah, and Manbij.

Advice

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