Syrian capital Damascus jolted by double bomb blasts

Two back-to back blasts ripped through parts of Damascus, the bustling capital of Syria, on Saturday leaving at least 27 dead and 140 wounded. Early report suggests that the explosion was caused by two car bombs parked in the busy commercial hub of the city that also house several intelligence and security buildings; one near the Criminal Investigation Department and the other close to Aviation Intelligence headquarters in Tahir Square. This is the latest in the series of attacks that have been carried out against President Bashar-Al-Asaad regime and security forces since December. The previous three attacks were similarly deadly.

Initially government sources have blamed the bombings on Al Qaeda, but later changed it to “armed terrorist group” – a term given to anti-government activists. Opponents, on the other hand, have denied the government’s claim and have blamed the regime for trying to cash in on the situation. Islamists militants based in Iraq is also coming out as the third possibility behind the attack, particularly by Western officials.

The Syrian government has stated that it is trying to work out a political solution with the UN. That it is trying to protect its citizens who are being slaughtered by groups of armed terrorists.

Incidentally, the latest double bomb explosions in Damascus happened two days following the first anniversary of Syrian revolution. A UN estimate has put the death count since the uprising to be more than 8000, though oppositions have claimed the death to be around 9000.

Nations warn Syrian government to declare truce or face trial

In a major development, governments across the globe, through their diplomats, are trying to press on President Bashar-Al-Assad of Syria to immediately stop violent crackdown on civilians. Till now, indiscriminate bombarding and firing by Syrian forces have taken the death toll to well above 7500. The Human Rights Commissioner of the United Nations’, Navi Pillay, has cautioned that if situation does not improve, the government of Syria would face International Criminal Court proceedings in the near term.

The United States state secretary Hillary Clinton has also condemned the action of Syrian government on Tuesday. She suggested that President Assad to be declared a war criminal or at least be forced to step down from power.

It is reported that months of government blockades have made life miserable, particularly in the cities of Homs and Hama. Essentials such as food, medical supplies and water have become scarce. With Syria crisis showing no sign of improving, there is little choice for people in both the cities between overflowing hospitals and makeshift clinics.