February 2016 Homs bombings

February 2016 Homs massacre
Part of Syrian Civil War
LocationAl-Zahra neighbourhood, Homs, Syria
Date21 February 2016
+3 (EEST)
TargetAlawite civilians heading to work
Attack type
Mass murder
WeaponsCar bombs
Deaths64[1]
Injured100+
Perpetrators Islamic State
MotiveSectarian

On 21 February 2016, two car bombs struck exploded in the predominantly Alawite neighborhood of al-Zahra in Homs, Syria.[2] The bombings killed at least 57 people and injured more than 100 others.[3] At least 60 surrounding buildings and dozens of cars were destroyed in the blasts.[4]

Bombings

The bombings occurred during the Sunday morning rush hour on the Sixtieth Street. The initial death toll was 34, but rose due to the number of people critically injured.[5] According to a Syrian government television channel, they targeted students and government employees going to work. Dozens of vehicles were destroyed and a number of nearby buildings were damaged. It aimed supporters of the government at a time when it was making significant military gains.[6]

The bombings occurred on the same day as bombings in the Damascus suburb of Sayyidah Zaynab that killed at least 30.[7] Both the attacks in Homs and Damascus were claimed by the Islamic State.[3][8]

Bombings in Homs in January 2016 had killed 22 people.[9]

See also

References

  1. ^ Nearly 200 people killed in six explosions at Sayeda Zeinab and Zahraa, SOHR, 23 February 2016.
  2. ^ "Provisional agreement reached on Syrian ceasefire, car bombs kill 46 in city of Homs". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 21 February 2016.
  3. ^ a b "Twin bombings claimed by Islamic State kill dozens in Syria's Homs". Reuters. 21 February 2016. Retrieved 21 February 2016.
  4. ^ ISIL car bomb attacks kill 129 in Damascus and Homs, Al Jazeera, 21 February 2016
  5. ^ Dagher, Sam (21 February 2016). "Dozens Killed in Double Car Bombing in Syrian City of Homs". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 21 February 2016.
  6. ^ "Syria: Dozens killed as bombers strike in Homs and Damascus, regime says". CNN. 21 February 2016. Retrieved 21 February 2016.
  7. ^ "Syria conflict: Blasts in Homs and Damascus 'kill dozens'". BBC News. 21 February 2016. Retrieved 21 February 2016.
  8. ^ More Than 140 Killed by ISIS Bombings in Damascus, Homs in Syria, Haaretz, 21 February 2016
  9. ^ "Bombings kill at least 87 in Syria as Kerry pushes ceasefire". Times Live. Retrieved 21 February 2016.
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