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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 as hundreds of pro-government supporters rallied outside in support of Russian air strikes. | |
A BBC Arabic correspondent in Damascus says some people have been injured. | |
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 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. |