Islamic State claims bombing that killed nearly 50 people in Syria's Kurdish region

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for two massive bombings that killed nearly nearly 50 people and wounded dozens more in northeast Syria Wednesday, according to Syrian state television.

The attack, which consisted of a motorcycle and truck bombing, took place in the Kurdish city of Qamishli near the Turkish border early Wednesday morning. Syrian state media put the official death toll at 44 people but the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights estimated it at 48.

The death toll is expected to rise significantly after more people are uncovered from the rubble, an eyewitness told the BBC.

This photo captures the aftermath of the terrorist attack in Al-Qamishli today. — Leith Abou Fadel (@leithfadel)July 27, 2016

35 killed and dozens wounded after a car bomb blast targeting a police centre in Qamishli, northeastern — Haidar Sumeri (@IraqiSecurity)July 27, 2016

The attack reportedly targeted a Kurdish security headquarters that was located nearby, according to the SOHR. The Kurdish YPG army has been one of the main forces fighting IS in northern Syria and is backed by the US and western allies.

Reuters contributed to this report.