Post date: Mar 17, 2012 1:14:33 PM
Twin explosions tear through government buildings in the Syrian capital of Damascus, killing at least 27 and injuring over 100. Andrew Raven reports.
SYRIA-BLAST UPDATE - Smoke billows from a state intelligence building in the Syrian capital of Damascus.
Just outside - cars reduced to little more than twisted metal.
This was the result of a massive bomb blast - one of two that rocked Damascus on Saturday.At least 27 people were killed in the explosions and over were 100 injured, according to Syria's health ministry.
The second bomb targeted a police station and damaged scores of homes and cars nearby.
Later, as reporters gathered to film the wreckage, gunshots rang out.
Not far away government security forces battled with what witnesses described as armed gunmen.
Damascus residents blamed foreign powers for the violence, pointing to their support for a now year-long rebellion against president Bashar al-Assad.
UNNAMED WITNESS
"Woe unto Gulf devils! Woe unto sedition scholars."
While no one claimed responsibility, Syrian state television blamed "terrorists" for the attacks.
The United Nations says more 8,000 people have been killed and 230,000 forced to flee during the uprising against Syria's government.
Andrew Raven, Reuters