30 Jan 2019 | 02:11 AM UTC
Syria: VBIED wounds five in Azaz (Aleppo province) January 28
Vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attack leaves five wounded in Azaz (Aleppo province) January 28; multiple similar attacks reported in Syria in recent weeks
Event
A vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) detonated in Azaz (Aleppo province) on Monday, January 28, leaving five people wounded. Similar attacks have been reported in northern Syria in recent weeks, including a roadside bomb explosion in Afrin earlier on Monday which killed one person. VBIED attacks have also been reported in Damascus and Latakia in January. Additional similar attacks are possible in Syria over the near term.
Context
To date, the Syrian Civil War - which began in 2011 - 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.
