Explosion kills 3, injures 20 in E. Syria

DAMASCUS -- At least three people were killed and 20 others injured in an explosion of unknown origin on Monday at an entry point to Al-Bukamal, a city in the eastern Syrian province of Deir Al-Zour, state media reported.

According to the state-run SANA news agency, Syrian Civil Defense teams have recovered the victims' bodies, evacuated the wounded to local hospitals, and extinguished a fire ignited by the blast.

It said the explosion occurred near a fuel distribution center, which intensified the blaze.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the explosion, and no group has claimed responsibility.

Located near the Syria-Iraq border, the strategic border town of Al-Bukamal has been the target of previous attacks, often attributed to Islamic State remnants operating in the region.