28 Apr 2020 | 03:47 PM UTC
Syria: At least 20 civilians killed in Afrin bombing April 28
At least 20 civilians killed and dozens of others wounded in Afrin (Aleppo province) bombing on April 28; further attacks possible over the near term
Event
A bombing attack in Afrin (Aleppo province) killed at least 20 people and wounded dozens of others on Tuesday, April 28. The explosive device, which was reportedly attached to a fuel tanker, detonated on a crowded street. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, though the Turkish Ministry of Defense attributed the blast to Syrian Kurdish militants.
A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are to be expected in the vicinity of the blast over the coming hours.
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 completely. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.
