Multiple bomb blasts in Syrian cities kill at least 43
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — A string of bombings, including a suicide attack claimed by the Islamic State group, struck in and around several Syrian cities on Monday, killing at least 43 people, mainly in government-controlled areas.
Areas controlled by President Bashar Assad's forces have seen several bombings and other attacks during the country's five-year civil war, with many claimed by Al-Qaida-linked militant groups.
Even before the revolution it was carefully guarded, said opposition media activist Yousef al-Boustani, referring to the 2011 uprising against Assad, which began with peaceful protests demanding reform.
Government forces withdrew in August after street battles with Kurdish forces, which took control of the city, though the state's police force remained in place.
The Islamic State group claimed twin suicide bombings in the neighboring coastal towns of Tartus and Jableh in May that killed over 160 people.