A devastating explosion struck a Ministry of Energy transport bus on Thursday, killing four oil facility guards and injuring nine others on the road between Deir Ezzor and Al-Mayadeen, according to a statement from the Syrian Ministry of Energy.

The attack targeted a bus carrying guards and workers assigned to protect and maintain critical oil infrastructure in the region. The ministry condemned the bombing as a “terrorist act” aimed at sabotaging ongoing efforts to restore and rehabilitate Syria’s war-ravaged energy sector. “This heinous act is part of desperate attempts to disrupt efforts to rehabilitate infrastructure in the energy sector,” the statement read.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, which underscores the persistent security challenges in eastern Syria, where oil facilities remain a frequent target amid lingering conflict and instability.

The Ministry of Energy expressed deep condolences to the families of the fallen guards and extended wishes for a swift recovery to those injured in the blast. Authorities are expected to intensify security measures in the region as investigations into the attack continue. (ILKHA)