Syria: Unidentified militants abduct and kill policemen in Muzayrib (Daraa province) May 4

Event

Unidentified gunmen abducted and killed nine policemen in the town of Muzayrib (Daraa province) on Monday, May 4. In a relatively rare attack on a government building, the assailants stormed the municipality building in the town and seized the policemen, before shooting them and leaving their bodies in a local square. Militant attacks more commonly target checkpoints and patrols in more remote settings. No group has so far claimed responsibility for Monday's attack.

A heightened security presence is anticipated in Muzayrib and further militant attacks are possible in Daraa province in 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.