11 Jul 2019 | 05:16 PM UTC
Syria: VBIED detonates near church in Qamishli, wounding seven July 11
VBIED detonates near church in Qamishli (Hasakah province) July 11, wounding at least seven people; no group immediately claims responsibility for the blast
Event
A vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) detonated near a church in Qamishli (Hasakah province) on Thursday, July 11, wounding at least seven people and causing extensive material damages. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, which took place near the Virgin Mary Church in the Christian-majority Al-Wasta district, which is controlled by Syrian government forces.
Similar attacks are possible in Hasakah province over the near term.
Context
To date, the Syrian conflict 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.
