A bomb attached to an oil tanker today caused a massive explosion near a hotel which is used by UN observers in Damascus.
The target of the attack was unclear but the blast was also near a car park used by president Assad’s army command.
The explosion occurred as the UN’s humanitarian chief Valerie Amos, the former British minister, visited the Syrian capital, although her team is believed to be staying at a different hotel.
The blast shattered windows of the Dama Rose hotel. UN vehicles were covered in dust and debris as ambulances rushed to the scene. There were no immediate reports of fatalities, but Syrian state television said three people had been injured.
Damascus has been hit by a wave of explosions and clashes between government troops and rebels since the uprising against Assad’s regime started in March last year. More than 20,000 people have been killed and 1.5 million have fled their homes.
Today’s violence came as America’s top military officer General Martin Dempsey and US defence secretary Leon Panetta accused Iran of helping president Assad in its fight for survival.
Gen Dempsey, chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff, said Iran was training a militia to help Assad’s battle-weary troops.
Mr Panetta, speaking at a news conference with Gen Dempsey, also said that Iran was providing assistance and training for the Syrian regime and accused Tehran of “adding to the killing” by bolstering a doomed regime.
In a renewed attempt to halt the violence, leaders of countries from the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Co-operation prepared to meet in the Saudi city of Mecca.
They were expected to agree to suspend Syria’s membership, despite opposition to the move from Iran, which has remained supportive of Assad’s regime. The developments follow a claim by Syria’s former prime minister Riyad Hijab, who fled the country last week, that Assad’s regime is on the verge of collapse and no longer controls the majority of the country.
Commenting on today’s blast, Syria’s deputy foreign minister Faisal Mekdad said none of those hurt were from the UN, adding: “This is a criminal act that shows what kind of attacks Syria is being subjected to. Such explosions will not affect Syria. I confirm that we are with the UN and we will do all we can to guarantee their protection.”
