Gas Pipeline Blast Disrupts Power and Water in Syria

A massive explosion in a natural gas pipeline near the Syrian capital of Damascus triggered a large fire late at night. The blast, which occurred near the Tishrin power plant, immediately disabled three regional power facilities. The Syrian Electricity Company warned that the damage “will lead to a decrease in the amount of electricity produced and a temporary increase in power outage hours.” Furthermore, the crisis has severely impacted other essential infrastructure across the area. Energy Ministry official Abdelhamid Sallat confirmed that the sweeping effects of the explosion have “spread to drinking water pumping and treatment stations as well.”