11 Oct 2021 | 11:22 AM UTC
Syria: Car bombing reported in Afrin Oct. 11
Car bombing in Afrin, Aleppo Governorate, Syria, Oct. 11 leaves at least six dead. Increased security likely.
Event
Local reports indicate that a car bomb detonated near Kawa Al-Haddad roundabout in Afrin, Aleppo Governorate, Oct. 11. The blast killed at least six people and wounded 20 others. 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 Oct. 11. 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.
Advice
Avoid the area. Allow for additional time to travel in Afrin. Exercise heightened vigilance; always carry personal identification documents. Follow all instructions issued by authorities.
