Explosion in Syria's Latakia kills three people

A violent explosion occurred in the Syrian coastal city of Latakia on Saturday, resulting in at least 3 deaths and 12 injuries. Currently, rescue efforts are underway.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the explosion was an "accident" caused by residents improperly handling explosives inside a building. The specific cause of the explosion is still under investigation, and relevant departments have intervened.

The Syrian Arab News Agency (Sana) quoted provincial government officials as saying: "The explosion in the Rimal neighborhood of Latakia city has so far resulted in 3 deaths and 12 injuries." The situation on the ground is complex, and the number of casualties may rise further.

The explosion occurred in a building in the southern part of the Rimal neighborhood. Just days prior, sectarian violence in the core area of former President Bashar al-Assad claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians. The short interval between these two incidents has raised public concerns.

Video footage shows civil defense teams, ambulances, and local residents having arrived at the scene of the explosion. It is believed that civilians are still trapped under the rubble. Local resident Ward Jammoul (32) told Agence France-Presse that she heard a "huge explosion" and stated that she "rushed to the scene and found a building completely destroyed."