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Syria conflict: Shells explode near Russian embassy Syria conflict: Shells explode near Russian embassy
(34 minutes later)
Two shells have struck the Russian embassy compound in the Syrian capital Damascus, reports say. Two shells have struck the Russian embassy compound in the Syrian capital Damascus as hundreds of pro-government supporters rallied outside in support of Russian air strikes.
It came as hundreds of pro-government supporters gathered outside the embassy to express support for the Russian air campaign in Syria, witnesses said. A BBC Arabic correspondent in Damascus says some people have been injured.
Smoke was seen coming from the embassy compound but it was not clear if there were casualties. The explosions triggered widespread panic and smoke was seen coming from the embassy compound.
Rebel forces based in the suburbs of Damascus have targeted the embassy in the past.Rebel forces based in the suburbs of Damascus have targeted the embassy in the past.
Activist group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the shells had come from an eastern area of the capital.
Moments before, demonstrators had been waving Russian flags and holding up photographs of Russian President Vladimir Putin, witnesses said.
Last month, Russia demanded "concrete action" after a missile struck the embassy compound.
One person was killed in May when mortar rounds landed near the embassy, and three people were hurt in April when mortars exploded inside the compound.
Russia began its campaign of air strikes in Syria late last month.Russia began its campaign of air strikes in Syria late last month.
The Kremlin says it is targeting Islamic State and other jihadist groups, but the US says other rebel groups opposed to President Bashar al-Assad - an ally of Russia - have been targeted. The Kremlin says it is attacking Islamic State and other jihadists, but the US says other rebel groups opposed to President Bashar al-Assad - an ally of Russia - have been targeted.
The Russian offensive has allowed pro-government forces to regain ground lost to rebel groups.