A tragic incident unfolded on the outskirts of the city of Manbij in northern Syria on Monday when a car bomb exploded, claiming the lives of at least 19 individuals. Hospital workers reported that the victims, all but one of whom were women, were predominantly female agricultural workers.
The explosion resulted in the deaths of 18 women and one man, with an additional 15 women sustaining injuries, some of which are critical. This marks the seventh car bomb attack in Manbij in just over a month, highlighting the persistent violence in the region despite the ousting of President Bashar Assad in December.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, which has raised concerns about the ongoing clashes between Turkish-backed factions and the U.S.-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in the area. The Syrian civil defense has expressed worries about the impact of such attacks on the post-war security and economic recovery efforts in Syria.
In response to the incident, the Syrian Democratic Forces condemned the attack and suggested that Ankara-backed groups may be involved in an attempt to sow internal strife. Efforts are being made by the residents of Manbij to enhance security measures, including setting up surveillance cameras in key neighborhoods.
The recurring bombings have left the community on edge, with residents striving to protect themselves and their neighborhoods. The attacks not only pose a threat to civilian lives but also hinder the region's recovery from the devastation of the war, impacting essential activities such as education and agriculture.
Recent incidents, including a car bombing that claimed four lives on Saturday, underscore the urgent need for measures to address the escalating violence in the region and safeguard the well-being of the Syrian population.
