04 Oct 2020 | 08:00 AM UTC
Syria: At least two killed, multiple injured, in explosion on checkpoint in Al-Bab (Aleppo province) October 4
At least two killed, multiple injured, in explosion on checkpoint in Al-Bab (Aleppo province) on October 4; further attacks likely
Event
At least two civilians were killed and a further seven injured on Sunday, October 4, when an explosion occurred at a road checkpoint in Al-Bab (Aleppo province). The events of the explosion remain unclear and additional security forces have been deployed to the area to investigate. The injured have been taken to area hospitals.
A heightened security presence is to be expected in the area over the near term.
Context
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.