Scores killed in Syria blasts

2012-03-17 53

Medical staff frantically treat victims of a bombing in Damascus.

Two car bombs targeted an intelligence centre and a police building in the capital.

At least 27 people were killed and nearly a hundred wounded, Syrian TV said, quoting the Health Minister.

A wounded woman describes the chaotic aftermath.

SOUNDBITE (Arabic) UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE BOMBING VICTIM IN HOSPITAL

"I didn't hear any voice. My husband was shouting and my leg was bleeding, while I was trying to get the wreckage off of him. I wanted to make sure that my kids are fine."

Doctors say most of the victims were children and the elderly.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UNIDENTIFIED DOCTOR

"We received around 40 injured with different injuries; cuts, bone fractures and bruises. We performed necessary first aid procedures. We've received [many] children and the elderly. Most of the victims are children and the elderly "

State television blamed terrorists they say are also behind the year-long uprising against embattled President Bashar al-Assad.

The bombs ripped through a central intelligence building and left burning wrecks of several vehicles near a police headquarters.

No one has claimed responsibility for the blasts.

The last three months have seen similar suicide attacks as the security situation in Syria remains tenuous.

The United Nations reports that more than 8,000 people have died in the uprising, which turned a year old just days ago.

Jessica Gray, Reuters

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