IED Blast Kills One In Syria’s Daraa Day After Failed Car Bomb Attack (Photos)

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On February 21, a man was fatally wounded after a blast hit his vehicle in the al-Mattar neighborhood in the southern Syrian city of Daraa.

The blast was reportedly caused by a magnetic improvised explosive device (IED) that was planted under the vehicle. The victim was identified as Ahmed Jaber Nayef Al-Obeidat, also known as “Abu Zayd,” a prominent supporter of the Damascus government.

A day before the deadly IED attack, Syrian security forces uncovered an explosive-laden vehicle in al-Kashef neighborhood in Daraa city. Military engineers dismantled the vehicle, which was booby-trapped with several anti-tank mines and a single artillery round with some 100 kg of explosives.

No group has claimed responsibility for the IED attack, or the bombing attempt, as of yet. However, ISIS was likely behind both incidents. The terrorist group’s cells are present and active within Daraa city.

Earlier this month, at least five people were wounded when an explosive-laden car blew up near the al-Sahafah building in Daraa city. The target was reportedly the headquarters of a pro-government armed faction led by Mustafa Al-Masalma “al-Kasm”. The bombing was blamed on ISIS.

The terrorist group revealed In a recent report by its official newspaper, al-Naba, that it had refrained from claiming some of its past attacks in Daraa for “media and security” reasons.

Syrian government forces and local fighters conducted a large-scale operation against ISIS cells in Daraa city last year. Many commanders of the terrorist group were killed in the operation. However, the group’s influence within the city remains strong as evident by the recent attacks.

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