01 Feb 2020 | 06:54 PM UTC
Syria: Hayat Tahrir al-Sham carries out SVBIED attacks on pro-government forces in Aleppo February 1 /update 1
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham carries out suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) attacks on pro-government forces in Aleppo on February 1; further fighting to be expected in area over near term
Event
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants carried out two suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) attacks on pro-government forces in the Jamiyat al-Zahraa area of Aleppo on Saturday, February 1, as well as another VBIED set off via remote control. The number of casualties from the attacks was not immediately confirmed. The attacks come as Syrian government forces continue their advance into the rebel-controlled northwest of the country.
Further fighting is to be expected in Aleppo 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.