Idlib, Syria – The Syrian Ministry of Defense held a funeral ceremony on Thursday for 14 of its personnel killed in an explosion inside a temporary store for weapons and war remnants near Sarmada, north of Idlib, while competent authorities continue investigating the causes and circumstances of the incident.
Members of the protocol unit carried the coffins, which were placed in caskets draped with the Syrian flag, amid official and public presence during the funeral held at a regional hospital before the bodies were transported for burial.
Details of the Ammo Depot Explosion
The Syrian Ministry of Defense announced Wednesday that an explosion occurred inside a temporary store designated for weapons and war remnants near Sarmada, resulting in the deaths of 14 ministry personnel and injuring more than ten others, including civilians.
The ministry did not specify in its statement the precise nature or direct cause of the explosion, noting that investigations remain underway to ascertain all circumstances surrounding the event.
Investigation to Determine the Causes
The Defense Ministry confirmed that specialized teams are continuing investigative work aimed at determining the causes and conditions of the blast, emphasizing that it takes full responsibility for the incident.
This comes as Syrian authorities continue handling war remnants and weapons scattered across several regions, amid inherent risks associated with storing and transporting such hazardous materials.
Funeral Ceremony with Official and Public Presence
Syrian news agency SANA reported that the protocol team affiliated with the Ministry of Defense supervised the funeral ceremony, which saw official and public attendance, where relatives and companions bid farewell to the deceased.
The bodies are scheduled to be laid to rest following the conclusion of the funeral proceedings, while investigations proceed to uncover the factors leading to the explosion inside the temporary Sarmada depot.
