On a day ahead of Ashura, a significant day of mourning observed by Shia Muslims, a tragic incident occurred near the Sayeda Zeinab mausoleum in Syria, which is the country's most visited Shia pilgrimage site. A bomb exploded near the shrine, resulting in the deaths of at least six people, and more than 20 individuals were wounded in the attack, on July 27, Al Jazeera reported. The interior ministry of Syria termed it a "terrorist bombing," while state television reported that the explosion was caused by a bomb placed in a taxi by unidentified individuals.
The explosion took place close to positions held by Iranian militias, who are key allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad along with Russia in the ongoing conflict in Syria, now in its 13th year.
The attack occurred during the Islamic month of Muharram, specifically on Ashura, the 10th day of the month, which is one of the holiest occasions for Shia Muslims. Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, and his 72 companions in the battle of Karbala in present-day Iraq. The event marks the peak of the mourning procession for Shia Muslims.
Sayeda Zeinab mausoleum has been a frequent target of attacks during the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011. The mosque complex, protected by Shia militiamen primarily from Lebanon and Iraq, as well as the Syrian army, has witnessed several deadly bombings over the years.
Notably, the Islamic State armed group (ISIL/ISIS) claimed responsibility for a double suicide attack in February 2016, occurring 400 meters from the mausoleum, which resulted in the deaths of 134 people, including more than 90 civilians. The group had also claimed responsibility for a triple blast near the shrine several weeks earlier, which claimed the lives of at least 70 people.
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