An investigation into an explosion in April that injured several U.S. troops at a base in Syria is now being investigated as an insider attack, according to U.S. officials across multiple reports Monday.
A suspect has not been named and charges have not been brought forward, but investigators believe one or more service members planted a device inside a camp at Green Village base in Syria that caused the April 7 blast, according to the Associated Press.
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“At this point, these are just allegations. All suspects are presumed to be innocent until/unless convicted in a court of law. The investigation is ongoing, which may or may not develop sufficient evidence to identify a perpetrator(s) and have enough evidence to ensure a conviction in a court of law. No further information will be released at this time,” the military said, per CNN.
A possible suspect is currently in the United States as the Army Criminal Investigation Division and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations continue to assess the situation, Patrick Barnes, a spokesman for the Army CID, said, per the Associated Press. A motive has not been reported.
At least four service members received screenings for traumatic brain injuries following the attack, which took place in the middle of the night. Security footage showed a “figure moving quickly,” though it is not clear whether the figure was a single person, according to CNN.
The blast struck at least two support buildings and is believed to have stemmed from the “deliberate placement of explosive charges by an unidentified individual(s) at an ammunition holding area and shower facility,” Joint Task Force and Operation Inherent Resolve officials said, CBS News reported.
Initially, the Pentagon described the explosion at the base as being the result of “indirect fire” from outside the camp, likely rocket fire or a mortar attack, but further investigation uncovered traces of an inside job.
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The U.S. has roughly 900 troops stationed in Syria, where they have been helping to train and advise the Syrian Democratic Forces.
