Weapons depot explosion in Syria, 39 people killed

Minh Phuong• DNUM_BDZAIZCABI 07:12

At least 39 people, including 12 children, were killed in an explosion at an arms depot yesterday, August 12, in the rebel-held province of Idlib (Syria).

The exploded building is believed to be a weapons storage facility. Photo: Express

AFP reported that the explosion occurred in Sarmada, Idlib province, near the border between Syria and Türkiye. The explosion caused two buildings to collapse, including a building believed to contain weapons belonging to arms dealers.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights initially said the blast killed at least 39 people, including 12 children, while dozens of others were missing. Most of the people living in the building are believed to be family members of jihadists who fled to Idlib after being driven out of other parts of Syria. The cause of the blast is not yet known.

Scene of the explosion. Photo: AFP

In recent months, the Syrian government army, backed by Russia and Iran, has gained overwhelming dominance in many areas controlled by rebel forces and terrorist organizations across Syria.

Syrian President Bashar Assad recently announced that his country's army will regain control of Idlib after winning victories in many other places.

Idlib is a province of about 2.5 million people, half of whom have been forced to flee their homes due to the intense fighting. The civil war in Syria has lasted since 2011 and has left more than 350,000 people dead and millions homeless.