Explosion in Syria targets Russian military vehicle

An improvised explosive device (IED), planted on a motorbike, detonated while a Russian military vehicle patrolled the town of Izraa.

 Fighters from the Free Syrian Army are seen in Yadouda area in Daraa, Syria May 29, 2018 (photo credit: REUTERS/ALAA AL FAQIR)
Fighters from the Free Syrian Army are seen in Yadouda area in Daraa, Syria May 29, 2018
(photo credit: REUTERS/ALAA AL FAQIR)

An explosion in the Syrian town of Izraa targeted Russian troops on Saturday afternoon, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.

An improvised explosive device (IED), planted on a motorbike, detonated while a Russian military vehicle passed by on the streets of the town, located in the eastern countryside of Daraa.

The Russian military vehicle targeted was on a patrol of a demarcation line between zones controlled by the US-led international coalition's forces and Russian forces in eastern Syria.

Russia started the patrols of the demarcation line last month, TASS news agency reported.

A spokesman for Russia's military said there were potential Islamic State sleeper cells in the area and that Russia's military was trying to demonstrate its presence.

Russian military jets are seen at Hmeymim air base in Syria (credit: REUTERS/VADIM SAVITSKY/RUSSIAN DEFENSE MINISTRY VIA REUTERS)
Russian military jets are seen at Hmeymim air base in Syria (credit: REUTERS/VADIM SAVITSKY/RUSSIAN DEFENSE MINISTRY VIA REUTERS)

Details regarding the number of casualties and material damage caused by the attack are currently unknown.

In addition, a Syrian security service member was reportedly shot dead by unknown gunmen in Daraa on Saturday.