21 Jun 2020 | 04:37 AM UTC
Syria: IED attack on bus in Daraa province kills nine regime soldiers June 20
IED attack targeting bus carrying Syrian Arab Army (SAA) soldiers kills nine in Daraa province on June 20; further attacks possible over the near term
Event
A bus carrying around 40 Syrian Arab Army (SAA) soldiers was targeted by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Daraa province on Saturday, June 20, killing nine and wounding at least 23 troops. The incident occurred along the Kahlil Al-Sahwa Road. As of Sunday, June 21, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
A heightened security presence is anticipated in Daraa province and further militant attacks are possible 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. Free Syrian Army (FSA) and Hay'at Al-Sham (HTS) sleeper cells are active in parts of Daraa province and regularly carry out targeted attacks on regime forces.
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.
