An explosion at an arms depot in Syria's northwestern Idlib province has killed 14 people, local health authorities reported. The blast occurred at a temporary storage facility for collecting weapons and war remnants near the city of Sarmada. The cause of the explosion remains unspecified. The incident marks the second deadly blast in Idlib this month, following a car carrying ammunition that exploded, killing five in the city of Binnish.
The Syrian defence ministry's media department confirmed that several of its personnel were wounded in the incident. Syrian media broadcast images showing large columns of smoke rising from the blast site, with rescuers quickly responding to the area. Idlib province has seen sporadic blasts involving ammunition-laden vehicles or arms depots, a consequence of its history as a key stronghold of armed anti-government factions during Syria's prolonged civil war.
The province was a significant battleground during the civil war, which lasted over 13 years before longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad was toppled in December 2024. The recent explosion underscores the ongoing dangers posed by unexploded ordnance and improperly stored weapons in the region.
FAQs
1. **What caused the explosion at the arms depot?**
The cause of the explosion at the arms depot in Idlib province remains unspecified. Local health authorities have not provided details on the origin of the blast.
2. **How many people were affected by the explosion?**
The explosion resulted in 14 fatalities and 11 injuries, according to a preliminary count by the Idlib health department.
3. **Has there been a similar incident recently in Idlib?**
Yes, earlier this month, a car carrying ammunition exploded in the city of Binnish, killing five people. The cause of that blast was also not announced by authorities.
4. **What is the significance of Idlib province in Syria's civil war?**
Idlib province was a key stronghold of armed anti-government factions during Syria's civil war, which lasted over 13 years before Bashar al-Assad was toppled in December 2024. The region has seen numerous incidents involving unexploded ordnance and improperly stored weapons.
