Syria: Suspected car bomb explosion in Afrin March 6

Event

Local sources indicate a suspected car bomb detonated in Afrin, Aleppo Governorate, March 6. The blast reportedly occurred near the city center. Initial casualty figures have yet to be released. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident.

Afrin is located approximately 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Aleppo city.

Context

Turkey has attributed similar attacks in the region to the Syrian People's Protection Units (YPG). Ankara views the YPG as a militant group linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) based in Turkey. Several car bombings have occurred in areas along the Turkish-Syrian border since Turkey launched a military offensive into northeastern Syria in October 2019. The Islamic State (IS) has also claimed responsibility for some attacks. Turkey's military presence in northern Syria will likely lead to further attacks in the future.