Coordinated blasts hit Syrian government strongholds

A series of explosions targeting government strongholds in Syria killed at least 78 people on Monday, state media reported. The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility.

The explosions, including suicide bombings, hit the coastal cities of Tartus and Jableh. At least one suicide bomber detonated explosives in a crowded bus station in Tartus, according to Syria’s SANA news agency. Another explosion struck near a bus station in Jableh, killing dozens.

Russia has a naval base in Tartus and an air base in Latakia province, also on the coastline. Insurgents maintain a presence in rural Latakia, according to the Associated Press.

“We will not be deterred. … We will use everything we have to fight the terrorists,” said Syrian Cabinet minister Omran al-Zoubi on Syrian TV, reported the AP.

A one-sentence statement on the Islamic State-linked Aamaq news agency said the militant group claimed responsibility.