A devastating car bombing in the northern Syrian city of Manbij on February 3 has left at least 20 people dead, marking the deadliest attack in Syria since the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2022. The attack, which also injured many others, occurred on the outskirts of Manbij, a city that has witnessed changing control among various factions throughout the ongoing civil war.

The incident is particularly significant as it symbolizes the ongoing instability in the region. According to the Reuters, the Syrian presidency condemned the bombing as a “terror attack” and stated that it would pursue the perpetrators with the aim of holding them accountable. “This crime will not pass without the most severe punishment against its perpetrators,” the presidency declared.

Among the deceased, at least 14 were reported to be women, many of whom were agricultural workers returning home after a long day. The Syrian Civil Defence, commonly known as the White Helmets, indicated that the death toll may continue to rise as investigations proceed. This bombing is said to be the second in just three days in Manbij.

Control of Manbij has switched numerous times during the Syrian conflict, which has persisted since 2011. The latest change in control occurred in December when Turkish-backed factions took the city from the U.S.-supported Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), largely composed of Kurdish fighters.

In a preceding incident just days prior, another car bomb claimed four civilian lives and resulted in injuries to nine others, including children. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for either attack.

With violence continuing, local activist Jameel al-Sayyed noted that residents are increasingly focused on protecting their neighborhoods, including installing surveillance cameras in response to the alarming rate of bombings. As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, urging for stability in a region marked by conflict and humanitarian crises.

For more details, visit the original articles from Reuters, Al Jazeera, or South China Morning Post.