DAMASCUS, Syria – On Monday, another devastating car bomb detonated on the outskirts of Manbij, a city located in northern Syria, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 individuals and causing injuries to over a dozen others, according to reports from medical staff and emergency responders.
According to a nurse at the local hospital, Mohammad Ahmad, the casualties included 18 women and one man, with an additional 15 women suffering injuries, some of which were reported to be in critical condition, as confirmed by local civil defense authorities.
No group has yet taken responsibility for the attack that targeted a vehicle transporting agricultural workers. This marks the seventh car explosion to occur in Manbij over the course of the last month, according to Munir Mustafa, who serves as the deputy director of civil defense. He cautioned that these violent incidents near one of Syria’s prominent cities pose significant challenges to the nation’s endeavors to establish post-war stability and promote economic recovery.
Manbij, situated in northeastern Aleppo province, has been experiencing ongoing violence, particularly following the dramatic shift in power two months ago when President Bashar Assad was overthrown during an insurgent offensive.
The clash for control of the area has emerged between Turkish-backed factions, known as the Syrian National Army, and the U.S.-supported, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SNA reclaimed Manbij from the SDF at the beginning of December during the ensuing conflict.
Following the attack, allegations were made on social media suggesting involvement by the SDF. In response, the SDF issued a statement condemning the car bombing and hinted at possible involvement from factions supported by Ankara, claiming that such actions were designed to incite further unrest across the region. They also stated their intention to collaborate with Syria’s provisional government in Damascus for a thorough investigation.
The Syrian presidency released a declaration asserting that “those responsible will face the strictest penalties to deter anyone who dares to undermine Syria’s security or harm its citizens.”
Earlier on Saturday, another car bombing in Manbij claimed the lives of four civilians and left nine injured, as reported by the state news agency SANA, referencing civil defense officials.
These repeated attacks have led locals to heighten their vigilance, with a resident commenting, “The people of Manbij are working towards protecting certain neighborhoods and are considering installing surveillance cameras in key areas,” shared by activist and journalist Jameel al-Sayyed.
