Explosions rocked a weapons and ammunition depot belonging to the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP) in the city of Maarat Misrin, Idlib province, northern Syria on 24/7, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). Images from the scene showed a large plume of smoke engulfing part of the city.
The Syrian Ministry of Health reported 7 deaths and 157 injuries. The SOHR, however, reported at least 12 deaths and over 100 injuries.
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Smoke rises from Maarat Misrin city in Idlib province, northern Syria on 24/7. Photo: AFP |
Smoke rises from Maarat Misrin city in Idlib province, northern Syria on 24/7. Photo: AFP
The Syrian Ministry of Interior launched an urgent and thorough investigation to determine the circumstances and cause of the explosion and to hold those responsible accountable. "We are taking all necessary measures to prevent similar incidents from happening again," the agency said.
The explosion occurred as Syria struggles to recover from over a decade of civil war. The opposition overthrew the government of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 after a swift offensive.
Idlib province was a stronghold for the opposition during the civil war, including the most powerful armed group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa led HTS before assuming his current position in January.
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Location of Idlib province, Syria. Graphic: Al Jazeera |
Location of Idlib province, Syria. Graphic: Al Jazeera
Nguyen Tien (AFP, AP, SANA)
