This morning, an improvised explosive device was detonated at a Syrian Military checkpoint near Dar’a town in Southern Syria.   The explosion took place close to a military checkpoint.   There were no United Nations casualties or any damage to UN vehicles.  The Syrian Government reported that the explosion resulted in the injury of ten Syrian soldiers.

            We have no evidence to believe that the explosion was intended to target the UNSMIS convoy; however, this incident demonstrates the difficult and challenging conditions under which our United Nations observers are operating.  It also demonstrates the volatile and dangerous situation in which the Syrian people have been living for months.

            The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the recent increase in the detonation of explosive devices throughout Syria.  Such incidents, in addition to the continued violence reported in many cities in Syria, call into question the commitment of the parties to the cessation of violence and may have a direct impact on the future of the Mission.

            The Secretary-General strongly condemns this attack and calls on all parties to adhere to the cessation of violence and to cooperate with, support and protect the UNSMIS observers.  This mission and the efforts of the JSE are possibly the only remaining chance to stabilize the country and avert a civil war.