Deir ez-zor: Four people were killed and nine others injured in an explosion near a bus carrying oil facility guards in eastern Syria on Thursday, local authorities said. According to Anadolu Agency, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), citing an Energy Ministry statement, reported that an explosive device detonated near the bus on the Deir ez-Zor-Mayadeen road. The blast resulted in the deaths of four guards and injuries to nine others. The Energy Ministry labeled the explosion a 'cowardly terrorist attack' and stated that the attack was intended to disrupt ongoing efforts to rebuild and rehabilitate the country's energy infrastructure. Details regarding the perpetrators of the attack were not disclosed. Since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, Syria's new administration has been focused on restoring security, implementing political and economic reforms, fostering social cohesion, and enhancing cooperation with regional and international partners. After nearly 25 years in power, Assad fled to Ru ssia last December, marking the end of the Baath Party regime, which had ruled since 1963. A new transitional government, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, was established in January.