Syria: Explosion reported in Ras al-Ain on September 26

Event

Local sources report that at least seven people have been killed in an explosion in the Syrian city of Ras al-Ain (al-Hasakah governorate) on Saturday, September 26. The explosion was reportedly caused by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED), which was detonated in an industrial area in the south of the city. A further ten people were reported to have been injured in the blast. Several VBIED attacks have been reported in and around Ras al-Ain in recent weeks.

A heightened security presence and disruptions to transportation are to be expected in the area over the near term. Further attacks in Ras al-Ain, as well as throughout al-Hasakah governorate, are likely.

Context

Ras al-Ain, which lies on the Syrian-Turkish border, has seen heavy fighting since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011. It has been controlled by several factions over the course of the conflict, most recently having been captured by Turkish and allied rebel Syrian forces in October 2019. It frequently sees attacks that target security forces and civilians indiscriminately.

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.