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Explosion near airport in Damascus Explosion near airport in Damascus
(35 minutes later)
An explosion near the airport in Syria's capital, Damascus, has been followed by a blackout in parts of the city, state media say.An explosion near the airport in Syria's capital, Damascus, has been followed by a blackout in parts of the city, state media say.
Power was reportedly cut after rebel artillery hit a gas pipeline.Power was reportedly cut after rebel artillery hit a gas pipeline.
Syria's state news agency quoted Electricity Minister Imad Khamis saying maintenance crews were working to restore supplies. Syria's state news agency SANA quoted Electricity Minister Imad Khamis saying maintenance crews were working to restore supplies.
Parts of Syria have been struck by several major power cuts since the start of the country's civil war.Parts of Syria have been struck by several major power cuts since the start of the country's civil war.
"A terrorist attack on a gas pipeline that feeds a power station in the south has led to a power outage in the provinces, and work to repair it is in progress," Mr Khamis was quoted as saying.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said rebel shelling was aimed at the town of Ghasula, around 2km from the airport.
President Bashar al-Assad calls the rebels foreign-backed "terrorists" and has often insisted that they are linked to al-Qaeda.