A large explosion hits Damascus as Turkey sends more troops to border

A large explosion rocked outside the palace of justice in central Damascus on Thursday, injuring three people as more than 20 cars were damaged, the Syrian state news agency reported.

According to state television, "Two bombs exploded in the parking lot of the courthouse in the area of Marje in Damascus. A third device failed to explode," said the channel, calling it a "terrorist" attack.

A police source said that two magnetic bombs exploded in two cars at the open air parking lot, while a third was being defused. Syrian television aired footage showing heavy black smoke coming off the parking lot, with many cars on fire and firefighters trying to extinguish the flames.

No one claims responsibility for the recent attacks in Damascus as Syria has been hit by a wave of massive explosions in recent months, killing dozens of people. Most of the explosions targeted the security and intelligent buildings.

Meanwhile, Turkey confirmed reports Wednesday that it is deploying troops, including fighter jets and anti-aircraft guns, along its border with Syria.

“I can confirm there about 30 military vehicles, including trucks loaded with missile batteries being deployed along the border in Hatay province. Turkey is taking precautions after its jet was shot down,” an official told reporters on condition of anonymity, Turkish state media reported.

However, during a military ceremony in Ankara, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey has no intention of attacking Syria over its recent downing of the Turkish F-4 Phantom jet by Syria over the Mediterranean last Friday.

In related news, according to French daily, Le Figaro, reported that Syrian rebels are getting weapons from Turkey while the Saudi government are funding this deal.

"Weapons from Saudi arsenals have been transported to Syria through Turkey since May and their distribution in the country is controlled by CIA agents," the paper said.

Source: http://www.sundaytimes.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21038:blast-hits-damascus-as-turkey-sends-troops-to-border-&catid=81:news&;Itemid=625