Powerful explosions at a Syrian army weapons depot near the town of al-Eis, south of Aleppo, injured at least four people on Monday, according to state media reports. Officials have urged civilians to stay away from the site as emergency teams respond to the blasts, which come amid a series of similar military depot incidents across the country following the transition of power in late 2024.
Al-Eis Weapons Depot Explosions and Emergency Response
The explosions occurred early Monday morning at a Syrian military site near al-Eis, south of Aleppo, according to the state-run SANA news agency. Faisal Mohammad Ali, the head of civil defence operations in Aleppo, told SANA that rescue teams successfully evacuated four injured individuals from the area. Al Jazeera correspondent Obaida Hitto reported from Aleppo that the initial blast was followed by a series of secondary explosions audible from several kilometres away, drawing ambulances and fire trucks to the position.
In response to the hazard, Aleppo Governor Azzam al-Gharib advised local residents to stay inside their homes, noting that hospitals, ambulances, and emergency units remain on full alert. The Aleppo Internal Security Command announced the closure of roads leading to the site to protect the public. A resident in Aleppo’s Hamdaniyeh neighbourhood told the AFP news agency that they heard a massive explosion and observed large flames in the distance from their rooftop.
Context of Recent Military Site Blasts in Syria
Monday’s incident follows a pattern of explosions at military infrastructure across Syria as the nation emerges from more than a decade of civil war and the 2024 toppling of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad. On Friday, an explosion of unknown origin killed 11 people at a military site in the eastern province of Deir Az Zor. Earlier in the month, an explosion at a Ministry of Defence weapons depot in northwest Idlib province resulted in 14 deaths and 11 injuries. Just over a week prior to that event, five people died in the same region when a vehicle carrying munitions detonated.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the explosions at al-Eis?
According to state media reports, the immediate cause of the explosions at the Syrian army site near al-Eis was not immediately clear.
How many people were injured in the al-Eis blasts?
State media and civil defence officials reported that at least four people sustained injuries and were evacuated by rescue teams.
What advice have local authorities given to residents?
Aleppo Governor Azzam al-Gharib urged residents to stay indoors, while the Internal Security Command closed roads leading to the site for public safety.
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