Syria: Rockets strike military bases in Aleppo and Hama provinces April 28

Event

On Monday, April 30, Syrian state media cited a military source claiming that rockets struck government military positions in rural areas of Aleppo and Hama provinces around 22:30 (local time) on Saturday, April 28. The source of the rocket attacks was not immediately released; further details regarding associated casualties and material damages are still emerging.

Context

Notably, the Syrian government recently blamed Israeli forces for an April 9 attack on Al-Tiyas airbase (Homs province), near Palmyra. Some 14 people, including Iranians, were killed in the airstrike, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Syria remains enmeshed in a complex civil war that started between the Assad government and opposition forces in March 2011. Today, the conflict in Syria involves many parties, including the Syrian government, the Russian government, the Iranian government, the Turkish government, a US-led coalition, and numerous armed groups on the ground (including the Islamic State) with competing goals.

Advice

Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.