On August 8, Turkish-backed militants seized a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) in the northern al-Hasakah countryside.
The VBIED, which was uncovered by the Hamza Division, was reportedly heading to the town of Ras al-Ain, located right on the border line with Turkey. The vehicle’s driver was arrested by the militants.
Security commanders in the Hamza Division claimed that the VBIED came from a close-by area held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
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A series of explosion rocked Ras al-Ain in the last few weeks. On July 23, a car bomb attack in the town killed four people and injured ten others. Three days later, another bombing targeted the town. Eight people were killed and at least 19 others were injured. On July 30, a large blast rocked a checkpoint near the town killing six Turkish-backed militants.
The Turkish military and its Syrian proxies captured Ras al-Ain in October of 2019 after a fierce 11-day battle with the SDF.
Turkish forces are apparently working to improve security around Ras al-Ain. Nevertheless, the corruption of Turkish-backed militants, who are known to be involved in criminal activities, will likely hinder these efforts.
