A suicide bomb attack on a refugee camp in Syria has taken at least 20 lives, sources told Turkish media. Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) claimed responsibility for the terrorist act.

The attack took place at Atma refugee camp in the northwestern province of Idlib, near the Turkish border, sources told Anadolu Agency.

An eyewitness told the agency that a suicide bomber entered the camp through a checkpoint unobserved, before detonating his explosive vest.

Bomb attack kills over 20 militants in Atma Camphttps://t.co/IXnS1VeIGmpic.twitter.com/MTR7pMIVJ1 — Firat News Agency (@anfenglish) October 6, 2016

The attack reportedly took place during a Free Syrian Army (FSA) shift patrol change. According to other sources, it targeted rebels backed by Ankara in its operation Euphrates Shield against both IS and Kurdish militants, which is unfolding further to the northeast, along a separate stretch of border.

READ MORE: 30 killed, scores injured in suicide bombing at Kurdish wedding in Syria



In addition to at least 20 fatalities, “scores” of people were injured, Anadolu reported. Those who were slightly injured were taken to nearby field clinics, while people with more serious injuries were transferred to local hospitals.

IS claimed responsibility on social media for the deadly assault.

Syria continues to be home to a gruesome civil war which has led to the deaths of at least 250,000 people and displaced 12 million others since 2011, according to UN figures.