26 Jun 2021 | 03:08 PM UTC
Syria: Car bombing reported in Afrin June 26
Car bombing in Afrin, Aleppo Governorate, Syria, June 26 leaves at least three dead. Increased security likely.
Event
Local reports indicate that a car bomb detonated near Kawa Al-Haddad roundabout in Afrin, Aleppo Governorate, June 26. The blast killed at least three people and wounded an unknown number more. There have been no immediate claims of responsibility for the attack. The intended target of the attack is unclear, but similar incidents in the past have targeted Turkish security forces in the city.
Afrin is located approximately 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Aleppo city. Heightened security is likely near the incident site through the remainder of June 26. 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.
