Syria: Suspected car bomb explosion in Ras al-Ayn kills four and injures 12 Feb. 25

Event

Local sources indicate a suspected car bomb detonated in Ras al-Ayn, Al Hasakah Governorate, Feb. 25. The blast reportedly occurred in the city center. Initial reports indicate at least four people were killed and 12 were injured. The official casualty toll could rise. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident.

Ras al-Ayn is located approximately 70 km (43 miles) northwest of Al Hasakah city.

Context

Turkey has attributed similar attacks in the region to the Syrian People's Protection Units (YPG), including an April 28, 2020, truck bombing in a market in Afrin that killed over 50 people. Ankara views the YPG as a militant group linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) based in Turkey. Several car bombings have occurred in areas along the Turkish-Syrian border since Turkey launched a military offensive into northeastern Syria in October 2019. The Islamic State (IS) has also claimed responsibility for some attacks. Turkey's military presence in northern Syria will likely lead to further attacks in the future.