Double bomb attack in central Damascus, Syria

DAMASCUS – At least 14 people were killed when twin explosions caused by suicide bomb attackers struck near a police station in Damascus Tuesday, state television said, updating its earlier toll.

“The number of casualties after a twin suicide attack in Marjeh square has risen to 14 dead and 31 injured,” said the broadcaster of Syrian official television channel Al-Ikhbariya.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, two people were killed and several others injured in the twin blasts caused by explosive devices planted in central Damascus Tuesday.

Syrian state television earlier reported two deaths and 26 injured, while blaming “terrorist suicide bombers” for the attack on Damascus’ Marjeh square.

Al-Ikhbariya earlier reported the explosion saying “two suicide bombers attacked Marjeh square causing casualties and material damage,” a broadcaster said.

The channel screened images showing badly damaged vehicles and bloodied pavements.

“It seems the terrorists have struck again,” said a television presenter, using the regime’s term to refer to rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad’s troops.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported the blasts, but said they were caused by explosive devices planted in the neighborhood.

“Several people were wounded by two explosive device blasts in Marjeh square in Damascus,” said the Britain-based Observatory, which relies on a broad network of activists, doctors and lawyers for its reports.