News|Syria's WarSeveral killed, injured in bus explosion near Syria’s Deir Az Zor: State TVBus belonging to the Syrian Energy Ministry was attacked, killing four people and injuring nine.

On Thu, Oct 12, 2023, an explosion targeted a government-owned bus in eastern Syria, resulting in the deaths of at least four people and injuring nine others. The incident occurred while the bus, operated by the Syrian Ministry of Energy, traveled on the highway between Deir Az Zor and al-Mayadin.

The deceased were security personnel assigned to an oil facility in Deir Az Zor. Those injured included oil facility workers and civilians. The security personnel were reportedly returning from their shift at the Teim oilfield when the explosion occurred. This incident is the deadliest in the province since the previous administration change in December.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The explosion site is near territories controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) east of the Euphrates River. The region has seen increased tensions between government forces and the SDF. The area is significant due to its proximity to Syria's oilfields and the Iraq border.

In recent months, the Syrian Ministry of Defence has accused the SDF of various attacks, adding to the ongoing conflict in the region.

The interim government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, is attempting to stabilize the nation and reduce its international isolation. Recent efforts include attending the United Nations General Assembly, seeking to lift sanctions, and attracting economic investments from Gulf Arab nations.

Internal security remains a challenge, as demonstrated by recent sectarian conflicts in the southern province of Suwayda. Additionally, external threats, such as Israeli military actions in Syrian territories, continue to affect the region's stability.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.