Syria: Islamic State (IS) claims VBIED attack in Al-Hasakah province October 11 /update 6

Event

The Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attack that left three dead in the Kurdish-controlled city of Qamishli (Al-Hasakah province) on Friday, October 11. In a statement, Kurdish authorities said that IS has increased its activity in the region since Turkey launched a military offensive into northern Syria on October 9. Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on Friday that five IS militants broke out of a prison in Qamishli following Turkish shelling in the area.

A heightened security presence is expected in northeastern Syria over the coming days and weeks. Additional attacks cannot be ruled out.

Context

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced on October 5, that Turkey will launch a military operation in northeastern Syria in an attempt to expel Syrian Kurdish (People's Protection Units; YPG) forces from the Turkish border. Erdoğan stated that the air and ground operations will extend 30 km (19 mi) into Syria's northeastern border. Turkey considers the YPG to be a terrorist organization linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) group in Turkey.

The offensive comes days after US President Donald Trump announced a US military pullback in the region.

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.