| 2016 Elsett attacks | |
|---|---|
| Part of Syrian Civil War | |
 | |
| Location | Elsett, Rif Dimashq Governorate, Syria |
| Date | 31 January 2016 |
| Target | Sayyida Zaynab Mosque, Syria, Shia population |
Attack type | Mass murder |
| Weapons | Car bombs[1] |
| Deaths | 71 (including 42 Syrian army and Shi'ite fighters)[1] |
| Injured | 40+[1] |
| Perpetrators |  Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant |
No. of participants | 2+[1] |
| Motive | Shiaphobia |
| February 2016 Elsett bombings | |
|---|---|
| Part of Syrian Civil War | |
| Location | Sayyida Zaynab Mosque, Syria |
| Date | 21 February 2016 (UTC+02:00) |
Attack type | Suicide bombing, car bomb |
| Deaths | 134[2][3] |
| Injured | 180[4] |
| Perpetrators | ISIS |
| Motive | Shiaphobia |
The 2016 Elsett attacks were a series of bombings in Elsett mainly at the Sayyida Zaynab Mosque attributed to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
January[edit]
On 31 January 2016, two suicide bombs and a car bomb exploded in the mainly Shi'ite town of Sayyidah Zaynab near Twelver Shia shrine, the Sayyida Zaynab Mosque.[5] At least 60 people were killed including 25 Shi'ite fighters and another 110 people were wounded in the explosions.[1][6][7][8][9][10] The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant claimed responsibility for the attack.[1] This is second time the Sayyida Zaynab Mosque shrine has been targeted; in February 2015 two suicide attacks killed four people and wounded thirteen.[1]
The death toll rose to 71, including 42 Syrian army and Shi'ite fighters as well as 29 civilians.[11]
February[edit]
In February, another bombing occurred on 21 February 2016 after Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant militants detonated a car bomb and later launched two suicide bombings, about 400 meters from Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque, a Shia shrine, believed to contain the grave of Prophet Muhammad's granddaughter.
134 people were killed, including children. Syrian media said the attack occurred when pupils were leaving school in the area. Foreign led Syrian Observatory said 68 were killed. At least 60 shops were damaged as well as cars in the area. The attack, for which the Islamic State claimed responsibility, was the third attack in one year near the mosque.[12][13][14][4]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g "Dozens killed in three blasts near shrine in Damascus". Al Jazeera. 31 January 2016. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
- ^ "Syrie: 134 morts dans un attentat au sud de Damas". L'Express. 21 February 2016. Retrieved 21 February 2016.
- ^ Nearly 200 people killed in six explosions at Sayeda Zeinab and Zahraa, SOHR, February 23, 2016.
- ^ a b "Syria conflict: IS claims deadly Homs and Damascus blasts". BBC News. 22 February 2016.
- ^ "Damascus Blasts: At Least 60 Dead in Bombings Near Sayeda Zeinab Shrine". NBC News. Reuters.
- ^ "Syria conflict: Dozens killed near Sayyida Zeinab shrine". BBC News. 31 January 2016. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
- ^ "At least 60 killed, 110 wounded in Damascus suburb bombings, ISIS claims responsibility". Reuters. 31 January 2016. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
- ^ "Suicide Bombings Kill at Least 45 Near Damascus". The New York Times. 1 February 2016.
- ^ "ISIS Twin Suicide Attack Kills at Least 60 in Syrian Capital". Haaretz.com.
- ^ "ISIS Attacks in Damascus felt at Syria Peace Talks". Newsweek Europe. 31 January 2016. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
- ^ "Syria conflict: Dozens killed near Sayyida Zeinab shrine - BBC News". BBC News. 31 January 2016. Retrieved 2016-02-21.
- ^ "IS blasts kill more than 140 as US, Russia press Syria truce". Agence France-Presse, Yahoo News. 21 February 2016.
- ^ "62 killed in blasts near Damascus Shiite shrine". DailySabah. 21 February 2016.
- ^ "Almost 120 killed as IS bombings rock Damascus and Homs: Monitor". Middle East Eye.
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