09 Mar 2021 | 06:47 PM UTC
Syria: Suspected car bomb explosion near Ras al-Ayn injures five people March 9
Suspected car bomb detonates near Ras al-Ayn, Syria, injuring five people, March 9. Avoid the scene of the blast.
Event
A suspected car bomb reportedly detonated at a Syrian National Army checkpoint near Ras al-Ayn in Al Hasakah Governorate, March 9. Initial reports indicate at least five people were injured. No group has as yet claimed responsibility for the incident.
Ras al-Ayn is located approximately 70 km (43 miles) northwest of Al Hasakah 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.
