This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22351172

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Central Damascus 'hit by explosion' Central Damascus 'hit by bomb explosion'
(35 minutes later)
A powerful explosion has rocked the Syrian capital Damascus, state media report. At least 13 people to have been killed and many more injured by a powerful explosion in Syria's capital, Damascus, state media and activists say.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said nine people were killed and dozens wounded in the blast in the district of Marjeh. A bomb is believed to have been detonated in a square in the central district of Marjeh. Civilians and security personnel are among the dead.
It is not clear what caused the blast. Gunfire was reportedly heard in the area immediately after the explosion. Sporadic gunfire was heard in the area after the blast.
On Monday, Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi survived a car bomb attack, which had targeted his convoy in the capital.On Monday, Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi survived a car bomb attack, which had targeted his convoy in the capital.
The latest explosion took place near a building of the interior ministry. The latest attack took place near a hotel, shopping centre and interior ministry building in Marjeh, a busy commercial district, the BBC's Jim Muir in Beirut reports.
State television reportedly showed footage of widespread damage in the area, including blown-up cars and buildings with shattered windows. It is not yet clear what the target of the attack was, our correspondent says.
"The toll in a car bomb near the old interior ministry building Marjeh district rose to nine and the number was expected to rise further because there are dozens of injured, some in critical condition," the SOHR said in a statement. State television showed footage of widespread damage in the area, which was shrouded in dense smoke. Several vehicles could be seen burning and buildings with shattered windows.
The observatory monitors human rights violations on both sides of the conflict via a network of contacts across Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said the cause of the blast was a car bomb.
The group estimates that March was the bloodiest month yet, with more than 6,000 people killed - a third of them civilians. The UK-based activist group monitors human rights violations on both sides of the conflict via a network of contacts across Syria.
More than 70,000 people have been killed since fighting between Syrian forces and rebels erupted in March 2011. It estimates that March was the bloodiest month yet, with more than 6,000 people killed - a third of them civilians.
Government forces forces and rebels have been fighting in and around Damascus for months, but neither have gaining the upper hand.
Monday's blast targeting the prime minister was the latest bombing inside government-controlled areas of the capital.
The car bomb exploded as his convoy passed through the Mezzeh neighbourhood, reportedly killing a a number of people, including Mr Halqi's bodyguard.
So far no group has said they carried out the attack.
The UN says more than 70,000 people have been killed since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad erupted in March 2011.