What Happened in Syria? 12 Killed, Over 150 Injured in Explosion

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 12 fatalities confirmed, including a woman and a child.
- Over 150 injuries reported, many in critical condition.
- Explosion believed to have originated from a weapons depot.
- Secondary blasts complicating rescue efforts.
- Urgent blood donations requested by local hospitals.
Damascus, July 25 (NationPress) A devastating explosion struck the vicinity of Maarrat Misrin in the northwestern province of Idlib, Syria, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 individuals, including a woman and a child, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The incident, which took place east of al-Foua and close to the town of Sirin, is suspected to have originated from a weapons depot, according to the observatory on Thursday.
Subsequent explosions occurred later in the day as additional munitions ignited, complicating rescue operations, as noted by Xinhua news agency.
According to Syrian health authorities, relayed by state news agency SANA, an earlier report indicated that seven had died and 157 others sustained injuries, though that number is expected to rise.
Many of those injured are in critical condition.
Hospitals in Idlib issued urgent calls for blood donations, while civil defense teams worked to recover bodies from the debris.
The observatory warned that the casualty count could increase, with reports of further injuries.
The explosion has sparked widespread fear, particularly among the displaced families living in nearby camps.
Eyewitness accounts described massive secondary blasts, intense fires, and thick black smoke enveloping the area.
Civilian properties, vehicles, and adjacent infrastructure sustained significant damage.
Ambulance and civil defense teams raced to the scene as security forces sealed off the area and emergency alerts were activated.
Residents noted the presence of unidentified aircraft in the sky at the time, although no official confirmation has been made regarding airstrikes or foreign involvement.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
As of Thursday evening, no group has taken responsibility, and Syrian interim authorities have yet to issue a definitive statement regarding the explosion.
The Syria Civil Defense, known as the White Helmets, reported that at least six individuals perished in the blast.
"This toll only reflects those recovered by Syria Civil Defense teams, who are still searching for individuals trapped under the rubble," the White Helmets noted in a statement.
Raed Al-Saleh, the minister of emergency and disaster management in Syria, posted on X that the Civil Defense teams quickly responded to the explosion and are operating under dangerous and complex conditions.
He emphasized that the teams are conducting evacuation and rescue missions amid ongoing secondary explosions.
Saleh advised residents to steer clear of the area for their safety.
This blast marks the third explosion in the region this month. Earlier in July, two explosions occurred in the Kafriya and al-Fu’ah regions.