Syria: Car bomb kills five in Tell Halaf (Al-Hasakah province) July 30

Event

A vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated in Tell Halaf (Al-Hasakah province) on Thursday, July 30, killing at least five people and wounding 12 others. Responsibility for the attack was not immediately claimed, although local security forces were examining the possibility that People's Protection Units (YPG) rebels may have been responsible.

A heightened security presence is expected in the area over the near term and further attacks are possible.

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.

The YPG is considered a terrorist group by Turkey because of its links with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Turkish-backed forces pushed the YPG out of Tel Abayad in October 2019 and it has been blamed by Turkey for several militant attacks in the area since.

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.