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    March 17, 2012

27 Killed as Two Explosions Rock Damascus

   VOA News
   Syrian security officers investigate a damaged building of the air
   intelligence forces, which was attacked by one of two explosions, in
   Damascus, March 17, 2012.
   Photo: AP/SANA
   Syrian security officers investigate a damaged building of the air
   intelligence forces, which was attacked by one of two explosions, in
   Damascus, March 17, 2012.

   Syria says twin car bombings in Damascus on Saturday have killed at
   least 27 people.
   State media reports say nearly 100 people were wounded in the blasts,
   which occurred minutes apart near a police security building and an
   intelligence center.
   Television footage and photos have shown smoke billowing from the
   explosion sites, twisted steel and debris strewn in front of a
   blasted-out building, and the mangled remains of victims.
   There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but Syrian officials
   blamed "terrorists" who may be linked to the year-long protests against
   President Bashar al-Assad.
   The explosions occurred a day before a team of U.N. experts were due to
   begin a trip to Syria to discuss the possible deployment of
   international monitors, as part of efforts to curb deadly violence from
   the government's crackdown on dissent.
   After briefing the U.N. Security Council Friday, former U.N. chief Kofi
   Annan said Syria's political turmoil needs to be handled carefully to
   avoid any "miscalculations" that could lead to a "major escalation"
   that could affect the entire region.
   Annan is serving as a special U.N.-Arab League envoy to Syria. He
   traveled to Damascus about a week ago and discussed proposals with
   Assad on ending Syria's political turmoil.
   The U.N. says more than 8,000 people have died since the
   anti-government uprising began a year ago.
   Syria's last major bombings were in February. Twin blasts at security
   facilities in the northern city of Aleppo killed 28 people.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
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