02 Feb 2022 | 01:31 PM UTC
Syria: Shelling and rocket fire reported in Al-Bab Feb. 2; several people killed
Shelling and rocket fire reported in Al-Bab, Syria, Feb. 2; further fighting almost certain in the area over the long term.
Event
Shelling and a rocket attack killed at least nine people and wounded dozens of others in Al-Bab, Aleppo Governorate, Feb. 2. While no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks, local media reports allege the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are behind the attack.
Further fighting, including retaliatory attacks between rival forces, is almost certain in the Al-Bab area over the long term.
Al-Bab is approximately 39 km (24 miles) northeast of Aleppo city.
Context
The SDF is an alliance composed of Kurdish, Arab, and other minority militias in the Syrian conflict. Turkey, which backs several militias in the northwestern Idlib Governorate, alleges the SDF has ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party militant group (PKK). Clashes between Turkish-backed militias and the SDF have been a regular occurrence after the former captured large swathes of territory from the SDF in October 2019 during Turkey's Peace Spring operation.
Advice
Avoid the impact area. Coordinate travel in the area with a trusted contact. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Heed the advice of security personnel.
