Azaz, Syria – A deadly car bomb explosion shattered the peace in the rebel-held town of Azaz near the Turkish border on Saturday evening. The blast, which took place in a crowded market, resulted in the tragic loss of at least eight lives and left 23 others injured, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and confirmed by local residents and rescue workers.
The attack struck during the busy shopping hours following the evening meal marking the end of the daily fast during Ramadan. The sudden violence threw the market into chaos, with shoppers and bystanders caught in the devastation.
Azaz, controlled by Syrian rebel factions supported by Turkey in opposition to President Bashar Assad, had previously experienced a period of relative calm after a similar incident two years prior. However, the region has consistently faced threats from bombings targeting civilian areas, with this recent explosion adding to the list of atrocities.
Following the explosion, local civil defense units sprang into action, rushing at least 30 wounded individuals to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment. The severity of the injuries highlighted the destructive nature of the attack and the impact on the innocent bystanders in the bustling market.
Despite the lack of an immediate claim of responsibility, suspicions have arisen among residents and rebel groups in the region. The Kurdish-led People’s Defense Units (YPG), controlling territories in northeast Syria, have previously faced accusations of involvement in such incidents, although they have consistently denied any connection. Other theories point to groups loyal to the Assad regime as potential perpetrators.
As investigations continue into the source of the attack, the community in Azaz remains on edge, mourning the lives lost and grappling with the repercussions of the tragic event. The threat of violence and instability looms large in a region already torn apart by conflict and opposing factions.