13 Apr 2021 | 02:06 PM UTC
Syria: Suspected car bomb detonates near Ras al-Ayn April 13
Suspected car bomb detonates near Ras al-Ayn, Syria, resulting in injuries and material damage, April 13. Avoid the scene of the blast.
Event
A suspected car bomb reportedly detonated near a group of Turkish-backed fighters near Ras al-Ayn in Al Hasakah Governorate April 13. Initial reports indicate the explosion led to a number of injuries, as well as material damage; an exact casualty count was not specified. There have been no immediate claims of responsibility for the attack.
Ras al-Ayn is located approximately 70 km (43 miles) northwest of Al Hasakah city. Heightened security is likely near the incident site through April 13. Associated ground travel disruptions are likely.
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.
