Syrian Government in Damascus Hit by Major Explosions; Rebels Claim Credit

Syrian opposition forces are claiming responsibility for two major explosions that rocked a Syrian government building in Damascus on Wednesday. State-run television reported that the army’s general staff command building in central Damascus was engulfed in flames following the blasts. Opposition forces took credit in a statement, claiming “dozens were killed in the two powerful blasts.” The 19-month death toll has now surpassed 30,000 according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.