[oldembed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tcul44GHwmI" width="425" height="300" resize="1" fid="21"]

[Caution: Graphic images]

Update: An update from the interior ministry now says that "At least 55 people were killed and 372 wounded in the blasts."

Twin explosions rocked Damascus on Thursday, killing at least 40 people and injuring 170, according to Syrian state television. The blasts occurred near an intelligence building for the security forces, and they ripped the façade off the building although the structure of the building remained intact. There were reports of bodies strewn in the streets, and the explosions could be heard throughout the capital city. The Syrian government blamed “terrorists” for the attack, but the leading opposition group said the Syrian government itself is to blame, and claimed security forces have been known to attack near government buildings in the past.