Car bomb explodes in Qamishli, civilian casualties reported

QAMISHLI, Syria – A massive car bomb ripped through a crowded neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Qamishli Friday afternoon. There are initial reports of civilian casualties. 

“A Vbeid [vehicle-borne improvised explosive device] targeted Munir Habib Street,” tweeted the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). “The neighborhood is overcrowded and reports of heavy civilian casualties.”

The explosion comes as Turkey is shelling towns and villages along its shared border with Syria as part of its Operation Peace Spring, which began Wednesday and has raised fears that Islamic State (ISIS) militants may take advantage of the conflict as the SDF shifts its focus to defending against Turkey’s incursion. 

First responders rushed to the scene. Four civilians were killed and nine injured, according to the SDF. 

ISIS has claimed responsibility in a statement published on its affiliated media Amaq where they said a car laced with explosives killed "tens of SDF fighters."

Five militants escaped a prison where they were being held in Qamishli on Friday, according to the SDF who blamed Turkish shelling.