09 Jan 2020 | 03:51 PM UTC
Syria: Car bomb leaves four dead near Ras al-Ain January 8
Car bomb reportedly kills four Turkish soldiers near Ras al-Ain on January 8; similar attacks possible over the near term
Event
The Turkish Defense Ministry announced that four of its soldiers were killed in a car bomb attack in northeast Syria on Wednesday, January 8. The incident occurred at a Turkish checkpoint in the village of Arbani, near Ras al-Ain. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the blast.
Similar attacks are to be expected in northeast Syria 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.
