Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Two children among 7 dead after car bomb tears through Syria market during Ramadan

At least 30 people also injured in explosion

Stuti Mishra
Sunday 31 March 2024 08:35 BST
Comments
Security forces and ambulances are dispatched to the area after a bomb exploded in bustling market in area controlled by opposition forces in Azaz, Syria
Security forces and ambulances are dispatched to the area after a bomb exploded in bustling market in area controlled by opposition forces in Azaz, Syria (Anadolu via Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

At least seven people were killed in Syria after a car bomb went off in a busy marketplace while residents were out shopping in the Muslim month of Ramadan, residents and rescuers told Reuters.

The blast took place in the town of Azaz in Aleppo province near the Turkish border on Saturday evening.

At least 30 people were also injured in the explosion which tore through the central market.

When the bomb went off, residents were buying clothes and gifts for children ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the month of Ramadan.

“It’s timing comes with heavy congestion by shoppers,” Yaseen Shalabi, a resident who was near the site of the explosion shopping with his family, told Reuters.

Video footage of the aftermath showed bodies on the ground, damaged buildings and the remnants of a car on fire.

The White Helmets, a volunteer rescue group which operates in Syria, said two children were among the dead.

It is unclear who was responsible for the attack.

The town of Azaz, a strategically important location in the civil war, has been run by Syrian rebel groups backed by Turkey, which is opposed to Syrian president Bashar al Assad.

It is home to the Syrian interim government, which claims to be the legitimate government of the country.

Main towns in the northwestern border area have in recent years been frequently hit by bombings detonated in crowded civilian areas.

In 2017, more than 40 people were killed when a car bomb was detonated outside the town’s courthouse.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in