Brief
Series of Explosions Hits Syrian Military Sites Amid Re‑armament Efforts
At least 16 blasts at weapons sites across Syria this month have injured civilians and killed soldiers, prompting an investigation by the Defence Ministry.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Repeated explosions at Syrian military storage facilities this month have injured civilians and killed soldiers, according to Al Jazeera.
On Monday morning an arms depot in al‑Eis, south of Aleppo, was hit, wounding at least four people. A blast in Ayyash, west of Deir ez‑Zor, on Friday killed 11 soldiers. Earlier, on September 9, a detonation in Sarmada, Idlib, killed 14 defence‑ministry personnel, and on September 1 a vehicle carrying ammunition exploded in Binnish, Idlib, killing five.
Reuters’ tally, cited by Al Jazeera, counts at least 16 similar explosions since President Bashar al‑Assad’s ouster in December 2024. The Syrian Defence Ministry said it is investigating the causes to prevent further incidents.
Analysts quoted in the report differ on the root cause. Some point to poor storage conditions and neglect, while others suggest the rapid re‑organisation of the Syrian army and influx of foreign aid may be straining an already fragile infrastructure.
Omer Ozkizilcik, a senior fellow for the Syria Project at the Atlantic Council, told Al Jazeera that the Syrian military is undergoing massive restructuring, consolidating weapons from various sources, which could be putting pressure on aging storage facilities.
Key facts
- At least four people were injured in an explosion at an arms depot in al‑Eis, south of Aleppo on Monday morning. (aljazeera.com)
- A blast in Ayyash, west of Deir ez‑Zor, killed 11 soldiers on Friday. (aljazeera.com)
- Reuters counted at least 16 explosions at Syrian weapons sites since December 2024. (aljazeera.com)
- The Syrian Defence Ministry announced an investigation into the causes of the blasts. (aljazeera.com)
- Analysts cite poor storage, neglect, and rapid military re‑organisation as possible factors. (aljazeera.com)
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com — originally reported as “Poor storage or sabotage? Series of explosions in Syria raises fears”
