Syria: Death toll increases from Afrin bombing April 28 /update 1

Event

The death toll from the bombing in Afrin (Aleppo province) on Tuesday, April 28, has risen to at least 40 people. According to Turkish defense officials, an explosive device was rigged to a fuel tanker which was detonated on a crowded street. Most of the casualties are reportedly civilians and dozens of people were wounded. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, though the Turkish Ministry of Defense attributed the blast to Syrian Kurdish militants.

A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are to be expected in the vicinity of the blast over the coming hours. Further attacks in Afrin and the surrounding region are possible over the near term.

Context

To date, the Syrian Civil War - which began in 2011 - 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 completely. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.