This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/7639137.stm

The article has changed 18 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Syrian 'car bomb' blast kills 17 Syrian 'car bomb' blast kills 17
(11 minutes later)
At least 17 people been killed by a car bomb in the Syrian capital Damascus, according to state television.At least 17 people been killed by a car bomb in the Syrian capital Damascus, according to state television.
A further 14 people, all of them civilians, are reported to have been wounded in the blast.A further 14 people, all of them civilians, are reported to have been wounded in the blast.
Syria's Dunia television said a car packed with 200 kilograms of explosives was detonated close to a security installation. A spokesman from Syria's Ministry of Information told the BBC the number of casualties was expected to rise.
Witnesses say security forces have cordoned off the area, which is close to an important Shia shrine. Witnesses say security forces have cordoned off the area, which is close to an important Shia shrine and a security post.
"Investigations by the Terrorism Combating Unit are under way to identify the attackers," the TV station reported. Syria's Dunia television said the car was packed with 200 kilograms of explosives.
Explosions are rare in Syria, which is tightly controlled by the ruling party. Government officials were investigating the incident, said the ministry spokesman.
Car bomb attacks are rare in Syria, which is tightly controlled by the ruling party.
This is believed to be the first such incident since a senior Hezbollah leader was killed in a car bomb in February.This is believed to be the first such incident since a senior Hezbollah leader was killed in a car bomb in February.
In August, a senior military official close to President Bashar al-Assad was shot dead at a beach resort near the port city of Tartus.In August, a senior military official close to President Bashar al-Assad was shot dead at a beach resort near the port city of Tartus.
Brig Gen Mohammed Suleiman had responsibility for sensitive security issues and was described as Syria's "main interlocutor" in a UN inquiry into alleged Syrian nuclear activity.Brig Gen Mohammed Suleiman had responsibility for sensitive security issues and was described as Syria's "main interlocutor" in a UN inquiry into alleged Syrian nuclear activity.
On Friday, the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mohamed ElBaradei, said Mr Suleiman's death would delay the inquiry.On Friday, the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mohamed ElBaradei, said Mr Suleiman's death would delay the inquiry.
Are you in Damascus? Have you been affected by the explosion, or have you seen or heard anything? Send your comments or pictures using the form below.Are you in Damascus? Have you been affected by the explosion, or have you seen or heard anything? Send your comments or pictures using the form below.
Name:
Name: