Syria: Suspected VBIED explosion in Ras Al Ain and grenade explosion in Al Hasakah city Jan. 2

Event

A suspected vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED), or a car bomb, detonated in the Syrian border city of Ras Al Ain Jan. 2. The explosion reportedly killed as many as five people and injured several more. Unconfirmed media reports suggest that the incident occurred near the al-Jawza roundabout. In a separate attack on the same day, a suspected grenade explosion in a market in Al Hasakah city left at least seven civilians injured. No group has claimed responsibility for either incident.

Heightened security measures, as well as localized transport and business disruptions, are likely near the impact areas through Jan. 2.

Context

Turkey has attributed similar attacks in the region to the Syrian People's Protection Units (YPG), including an April 28 truck bombing in a market in Afrin that killed more than 50 people. Ankara views the YPG as a militant group linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) based in Turkey. A number of car bombings have occurred in areas along the Turkish-Syrian border since Turkey launched a military offensive into northeastern Syria in October 2019. A car bomb Dec. 10 near a Turkish security checkpoint left several people dead. The Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for some of the attacks. Turkey's military presence in northern Syria and persistent insecurity more generally will likely lead to similar attacks in the future.