ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A strong explosion struck a military base in Rmelan town in Hasaka province of northeast of Syria on Tuesday, according to witnesses and local officials who reported plumes of smoke rising from the blast stie.
The explosion occurred in warehouse of weapons and ammunition belonging to the Kurdish militia known as the YPG, People's Protection Units, at the southern gate of Rmelan, just a few kilometers from the center of town.
Rudaw correspondent Azad Jamakari said witnesses reported that the explosion was "very strong causing plumes of smoke up rise to an altitude of 100 meters.” An official with the YPG said terrorism was not suspected.
“The explosion was not a terrorist attack but caused by a technical error,” the official said.
The blast caused casualties and the injured were taken to Krkili Hospital amid tightened their security measures.
"We do not expect any heavy wounded or deaths because the explosion occurred in a warehouse of weapons and explosives located outside the city that is heavily guarded, allowing no one to enter but the YPG fighters," said Jamakari, citing local sources.
