16 May 2019 | 09:11 PM UTC
Syria: Car bomb attack kills one person in Manbij May 16
Car bomb attack kills one person and wounds at least four others in SDF-controlled Manbij (Aleppo province) May 16; similar attacks possible over the near term
Event
A car bomb attack killed one person and wounded at least four others in Manbij (Aleppo province) - controlled by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) - on Thursday, May 16. Local reports claimed that the blast targeted a military convoy transporting an SDF commander. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the assault.
Similar attacks are possible in Manbij over the near term.
Context
The SDF is a US-backed umbrella group of militias, led by the primarily Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), and a belligerent in the Syrian Civil War.
The SDF ousted Islamic State (IS) militants from several areas formerly under the jihadist group's control, notably including Raqqa, Al-Tabqah, and Manbij.
Advice
Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country completely. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.
