A car bomb exploded near the Grand Mosque in Manbij on Friday, marking the second such incident in the city within a week. The blast devastated the al-Sallalin market, a bustling commercial area surrounding the mosque, causing significant damage to nearby shops and infrastructure.

According to the Syrian Civil Defense, casualties included Syrian opposition fighters and civilians, though the exact number remains unconfirmed. Emergency responders worked to rescue victims amid the rubble as the local community grappled with the aftermath of the powerful explosion.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) swiftly condemned the attack and denied any involvement. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the SDF stated, "We condemn the terrorist bombing that took place in the city of Manbij yesterday evening, and we reject any accusation that our forces were involved in it." The group blamed "Turkish-backed mercenaries" for orchestrating the attack and called on locals to identify the true perpetrators.

Manbij, a strategic city in northern Syria, remains a hotbed of conflict, contested by multiple groups including the SDF, Turkish-backed opposition forces, remnants of pro-Assad troops, and other factions vying for control.

Other Explosions Across Syria

The violence was not confined to Manbij. Explosions also rocked Homs and Daraa provinces on the same day, further intensifying the security crisis in Syria.

In Homs, a major blast occurred at a missile ammunition depot, causing widespread panic among residents. Homs Province Police Commander Alaa Imran confirmed the explosion’s intensity, which was heard throughout the city. Authorities suspect an intent to cause civilian harm, though details about the perpetrators remain unclear.

Meanwhile, in Daraa province, an ammunition depot near Izraa city, tied to the former Syrian regime's 12th Brigade, was destroyed. While local sources pointed to mercenaries as the likely culprits, earlier reports hinted at potential Israeli airstrikes.

Ongoing Security Challenges

These incidents underscore Syria’s ongoing instability and highlight the fragile security situation across the country. Northern Syria, in particular, continues to endure frequent violence, with civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict.

As tensions persist in the wake of the Assad regime’s collapse, the international community remains concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian and security conditions in the region.