DAMASCUS, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Syria's energy authorities on Thursday strongly condemned what it described as a "cowardly terrorist attack" that killed four people and wounded nine others when a roadside bomb struck a bus carrying oil facility guards near the town of Saalo in the eastern province of Deir al-Zour.
In a statement, the energy authorities said the attack targeted a commuter bus transporting guards of oil installations on the road in Deir al-Zour eastern countryside, adding that the victims included both workers and civilians.
The statement vowed that "this criminal act will not deter its cadres from continuing to perform their duties in protecting oil facilities and ensuring the continuation of production despite all challenges facing the region."
According to the local Syrian TV, the bus detonated when it hit an improvised explosive device planted on the road, adding that the casualty figures remained provisional.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The region has seen recurring attacks by remnants of the Islamic State extremist group. ■
