A car bomb exploded near a truck carrying agricultural workers in northern Syria, killing at least 15 people and injuring many more. The blast, which occurred in Manbij, has raised concerns about the stability of the new government.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have plagued the region since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in December. Kurdish-led forces, backed by the US, had controlled most of northeastern Syria until they were ousted from Manbij by Turkish-backed fighters.
Agricultural workers were transported on the truck when it was hit by the car bomb, which killed mostly women and injured others. The death toll is expected to rise as more information becomes available.
The violence highlights the challenges faced by Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, who must navigate a complex web of armed groups to establish stability. Al-Shara has promised to create an inclusive transitional government, but experts say unifying these groups is a major hurdle.
Turkey-backed fighters have taken control of Manbij, which has been a focal point of violence in the region. The White Helmets, Syria’s civil defense force, report that car bombings have become more frequent since the city was seized by Turkish forces last month.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/03/world/middleeast/syria-bombing-explosion-manbij.html