30 Aug 2020 | 12:54 PM UTC
Syria: Bus carrying soldiers strikes IED in Homs province August 28
IED strikes bus carrying Syrian Army soldiers in Homs province on August 28; further attacks possible in the near term
Event
A bus carrying Syrian Arab Army (SAA) soldiers was targeted by two roadside improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Homs province on Friday, August 28. Four soldiers were reportedly killed and eight others wounded in the blast, which occurred near the ancient city of Palmyra. No group has claimed immediate responsibility for the attack, although Islamic State (IS) militants are known to operate in the area.
Further similar attacks are possible 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 IS) with competing goals. Despite IS losing control of the territory it previously held across the Syrian-Iraqi border by March 2019, cells of militants have maintained a roving presence predominantly in Syria's desert regions.
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.
