Explosion Kills Three, Injures 20 in Eastern Syria’s Al-Bukamal

The site of the explosion at the entrance of Al-Bukamal city in Deir ez-Zor countryside – North Press
The site of the explosion at the entrance of Al-Bukamal city in Deir ez-Zor countryside – North Press

By Kardo Roj

DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – A powerful explosion rocked the entrance of Al-Bukamal city in Syria’s eastern Deir ez-Zor province on Monday, leaving at least three people dead and 20 others wounded, according to state media and local sources.

The explosion, which occurred near a fuel distribution center, triggered a massive fire. Witnesses reported hearing a loud blast, followed by rising smoke and widespread panic among civilians in the vicinity.

The Syrian state news agency SANA reported that the cause of the explosion is still unknown, with authorities launching an investigation. Some local sources speculated that it could have been the result of an improvised explosive device (IED) or an attack targeting fuel storage facilities. However, no official confirmation has been made.

Rescue teams, including the Syrian Civil Defense, rushed to the scene, recovering bodies and transferring the injured to nearby hospitals. “We have moved multiple casualties, some of them in critical condition,” a rescue worker told North Press.

Al-Bukamal, a key border town with Iraq, has been a focal point of conflict in eastern Syria. The area is known for the presence of various armed groups, including remnants of ISIS and Syrian government forces. 

In recent months, tensions have escalated in eastern Syria, with multiple attacks reported on military convoys and checkpoints. Analysts suggest that the region’s volatile security situation makes it a hotspot for insurgent activity.

Following Monday’s explosion, security forces increased their presence in the area, setting up checkpoints and launching search operations. Meanwhile, authorities have urged civilians to stay away from the blast site as investigations continue.

This incident underscores the ongoing instability in Deir ez-Zor, a province still grappling with the consequences of years of war and power struggles between various factions.