More than 20 killed as bomb hits convoy of evacuees in Syria
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 15 April 2017 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, More than 20 killed as bomb hits convoy of evacuees in Syria, 15 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59818d2111.html [accessed 23 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 15, 2017 15:42 GMT
Bodies lying near burnt-out buses on Aleppo's outskirts on April 15.
At least 22 people were killed when a car bomb hit buses carrying Syrians being evacuated from towns besieged by rebels.
State media reported the April 15 blast was set off by a suicide bomber and at least 22 people were killed.
The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll at more than 24.
State media published photos of what appeared to be the aftermath of the explosion, showing bodies lying on the ground and fires belching plumes of smoke.
The buses were carrying thousands of Shi'ites who support the central government of Bashar al-Assad.
Тhey were being evacuated to Aleppo from villages along the frontlines of fighting between government forces and rebel groups.
Syria's population is mostly Sunni. However, Assad and much of the ruling elite is of the Alawite religious minority, often considered an offshoot of Shi'ite Islam.
Based on reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
