Syria capital rocked by deadly blasts

BEIRUT – Two powerful blasts in quick succession have rocked the Syrian capital Damascus, sending plumes of smoke billowing into the sky, residents said.

The Syrian health ministry said 40 people were killed and 103 wounded in Thursday’s explosions that hit the Qazaz neighbourhood, where a Syrian intelligence agency has its headquarters.

“Two explosions caused by terrorists took place on the road in the south of Damascus,” Syrian state TV said, adding that the blasts occurred “as people were heading to work and children to school”.

An Associated Press reporter at the scene said medical workers were collecting human remains from the streets after the explosions and heavily damaged cars and pickup trucks stood smoldering in the area.

The outer wall of the headquarters collapsed, although the structure inside appeared intact.

In another development, activists reported intense government shelling in the flashpoint Homs region early Thursday.

On Wednesday, a roadside bomb hit a convoy that included U.N. monitors who were heading to the southern city of Daraa. The monitors were not harmed but the Syrian government said 10 soldiers acting as escorts were wounded.

Observer mission leader Norwegian Major General Robert Mood was part of the convoy and condemned the attack. He is quoted by his spokesman as saying it was