Dozens killed and scores trapped after Aleppo bomb blasts

 
p30 A handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) shows what the official agency described as the scene of car bomb explosions that hit the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on October 3, 2012. Three car bombs tore through the heart of Syria's commercial capital in the morning, killing at least 27 people and wounding 72 others, a city official told
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Bo Wilson3 October 2012

Five explosions left at least 40 people dead and scores trapped under rubble in a government-held district of Aleppo today. Four car bombs devastated a main square housing an officers’ club and hotel, and another device went off a few hundreds yards away.

Syrian TV also broadcast footage of three dead men in army fatigues who it said were shot by security forces before they could detonate explosive-packed belts. One appeared to be holding a trigger device.

The blasts caused panic among residents. Aleppo, Syria’s commercial hub, has seen fighting intensify between regime forces and rebels trying to oust President Bashar al-Assad, with a new rebel offensive launched last week. But it has not been the target of frequent suicide attacks before.

Media reports claimed yesterday that Mr Assad was visiting the city and would remain there. Hezbollah’s al-Manar TV and pro-Syrian Lebanese newspaper al-Diyar, said Mr Assad had ordered 30,000 more troops to Aleppo and was personally directing the campaign. The reports have not been confirmed elsewhere.

Syrian TV said four bombings targeted Saadallah al-Jabri square, calling them the work of “terrorists”. Another state-run channel, Ikhbariya, showed footage of bodies and devastation. One building was flattened and the facades on others were heavily damaged.

A resident, who refused to be identified for fear of reprisals, said: “It was like a series of earthquakes. It was terrifying, terrifying.” He said the officers’ club and hotel were almost completely destroyed. At least 90 people were reported wounded, many seriously.

Aleppo-based activist Mohammad Saeed said the blasts were followed by clashes and heavy gunfire. “The area is heavily fortified by security and Shabiha [pro-Assad militia],” he said.

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