Subscribe to Print Edition | Sun., September 28, 2008 Elul 28, 5768 | | Israel Time: 18:16 (EST+7)
Haaretz israel news English
web haaretz.com
  Back to Homepage
Haaretz Toolbar
Diplomacy
Defense Jewish World Opinion National
Print Edition
Car Rental
Books Haaretz Magazine Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File
Last update - 00:08 28/09/2008
17 killed in massive car bombing in Damascus
By Yoav Stern, Haaretz Correspondent and The Associated Press
Tags: Israel News, Hezbollah, Syria 

A massive car bomb struck a crowded residential street in the Syrian capital of Damascus Saturday, killing 17 people and injuring 14 others, Syrian television reported.

A car packed with 200 kilograms of explosives blew up in a southern neighborhood near the junction to the city's international airport, shattering car and apartment windows, TV reported. The charred booby-trapped car was seen sitting in the street near a primary school as firefighters stood near a wide crater believed to be caused by the blast.

A witness told the Syrian Reform Party that the blast happened after the car pulled out of a car depot belonging to the Palestine Branch, a group that is part of Syrian Intelligence. Sources have said the car was fitted with the explosives while inside the depot, leading to speculation the explosion was a 'work accident.'
Advertisement
The Syrian Reform Party reported on their website that most of those killed in the bombing were intelligence officals, contrary to government claims that all of the casualties were civilian.

The Now Lebanon website quoting well-informed Syrian sources said the bombing was carried out by an Iraqi suicide bomber with the al-Qaeda
terrorist network who had recently entered Syria and had been in communication with al-Qaeda members in the capital.

The sources confirmed earlier speculation that the attack was targeting a security installation located on a road leading to Damascus airport.

The United States strongly condemned the blast and immediately closed the consular section of its embassy except for emergency services for U.S. citizens.

"We strongly condemn the bombing and all terrorist actions and send our condolences to the victims' families," State Department spokesman Gordon Duguid told reporters in New York, where U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was attending the UN General Assembly.

Duguid said no Americans were injured or killed in the powerful car bomb, which exploded near a security complex in the Syrian capital.

"We have no reports that any American citizens were killed or injured in this incident. We have no evidence of a specific threat against the American community or the U.S. Embassy at this time," he added.

Syrian Interior Minister Bassam Abdul-Majid called the bombing a terrorist act and said all the victims were civilians. Anti-terror units were investigating.

"We cannot accuse any party. There are ongoing investigations that will lead us to those who carried it out," Abdul-Majid told state TV. A Syrian news commentator, however, accused Israel of orchestrating the blast.

"I don't blame anyone else for this satanic attack apart from Israel. Even when they are speaking the language of Arabs, whoever did this is an enemy of God and of all religions, an enemy of the men and women Arabs and of all people," Ahmed Ali Mustapha wrote on the Syrian state-run propaganda organ Cham Press.

He continued: "Do these qualities of wickedness exist anywhere else apart from within the children of Israel, and the treacherous and coward groups loyal to them?"

Such bombings are rare in Syria, a tightly controlled country where the regime of President Bashar Assad has used heavy-handed tactics to crack down against dissent and instability.

But over the nine months, the country has witnessed two major assassinations.

The last major explosion to strike Damascus was in February when a car bomb killed Imad Mughniyah, one of the world's most wanted and elusive terrorists. The former Hezbollah security chief was suspected of masterminding attacks that killed hundreds of Americans in Lebanon and brutal kidnappings of Westerners.

Last month, a senior security officer was killed at a beach resort near the port city of Tartous in mysterious circumstances, shaking the tightly controlled country.

Hezbollah and its top ally, Iran, blamed Israel for the assassination, but Israel denied any involvement.

The Prime Minister's Office Counterterrorism Bureau has repeatedly warned the public against traveling to Sinai over intelligence on Hezbollah's intentions to abduct Israelis as revenge for Mughniyeh's killing.

Syria's secular government also says it is battling Sunni Muslim militants who have carried out several bombings and attacks in recent years.

Damascus claims the militants infiltrate from neighboring Lebanon. Little is known, however, about Islamic militant groups here because information is limited by the state, which rarely discusses security issues.

But Saturday's bombing was by far the largest and tested weaknesses in the government's traditionally tight security grip.

One witness told Syrian TV that the explosion sounded like an earthquake.

"My apartment collapsed, and five of my family members are injured and in the hospital," the witness said, without giving his name.

Another witnesses who was sleeping in his truck at the time of the blast said he it appeared as if the car bomb vehicle was a taxi.

"I saw lots of smoke and the glass windows of my truck shattered," he told the
TV.

The explosion occurred at the intersection that leads to Saydah Zeinab, a holy shrine for Shiite Muslims frequently visited by Iranian and Iraqi pilgrims about five miles (eight kilometers) away from the bombing site.

An intelligence building is also located in the area, but cars are not normally allowed to park nearby and it was not clear how close the bombing was to the building. Police sealed off the area, blocking motorists and pedestrians from approaching from where the blast occurred around 8:45 A.M.

Syria has long been on Washington's list of states supporting terrorism, and the Bush administration has sought to isolate the Assad regime for its support of Hezbollah guerrillas and Palestinian militant groups. Its attempts intensified after the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese prime minister, Rafik Hariri, which many in Lebanon blame on Syria. Damascus has denied involvement.

Syria also has long been accused of allowing Muslim militants to use its territory to cross into Iraq, where they take part in attacks against U.S. and Iraqi forces.

The country has seen violence by Islamic extremists in recent years, with security forces clashing with Al-Qaida-inspired militant groups on several occasions. In September 2006, Islamic militants tried to storm the U.S. Embassy in Damascus in an unusually brazen attack in which three assailants and a Syrian guard were killed.

Most of those attacks were linked to Jund al-Sham, an Al-Qaida offshoot that was established in Afghanistan. Militants often denounce Assad's secular regime and have at times called for its overthrow.

But Syrian experts say al-Qaida has not made a concerted effort to act in Syria, not because of the strength of its security services, but because of Damascus' traditionally anti-Western stance.

But in recent months, Syria has been trying to change its image and emerge from international isolation.

Assad has agreed to establish diplomatic ties with Lebanon and has pursued indirect peace talks with Israel, mediated by Turkey. He says he wants direct talks next year.

European, American and Arab officials also have increased their visits to the country after years of avoiding it. Most recently, French President Nicolas Sarkozy joined the leaders of Turkey and Qatar in a summit with Assad in Damascus earlier this month.

Related articles:
  • ANALYSIS: Imad Mughniyah - The epitome of the 'Axis of Evil'
  • Reports: Syria's Hezbollah liaison was assassinated
  • ANALYSIS: Hezbollah terror chief was more wanted than Nasrallah
    • Bookmark to del.icio.us  
     
    Fighting words
    Nasrallah: Jerusalem and Palestine will soon be returned to rightful owners.
    Paul Newman dies
    'Exodus' star and legendary actor Paul Newman succumbs to cancer at age 83.
      1.   Arrest All Terrorists 10:24  |  Yosemite 27/09/08
      2.   Amateur Intelligence Sez.. 11:31  |  Slibovitz 27/09/08
      3.   This is how the Arabs communicate with each other and with the 12:17  |  Albert 27/09/08
      4.   Damascus Bombing Is A Resistant Act , Syria Is A Terror State 12:25  |  Joseph.E 27/09/08
      5.   It was a question of "when". Unfortunate. 12:26  |  Stephen. 27/09/08
      6.   Syrian terrorist regime will be hit more 13:09  |  Patriot 27/09/08
      7.   There is Method to this Ramadan Madness. 13:11  |  Michael J 27/09/08
      8.   If the bombing 13:14  |  Yonatan 27/09/08
      9.   What goes round comes round comes round 13:49  |  Adrian de Klerk 27/09/08
      10.   Bombs , bombs and more bombs 13:57  |  H 27/09/08
      11.   mistake? 14:30  |  - 27/09/08
      12.   Syria will "invade" Lebanon if it contiues... 14:33  |  Matts 27/09/08
      13.   This is absolutely terrible 15:15  |  Murray of Montreal 27/09/08
      14.   This is absolutely terrible 15:18  |  Murray of Montreal 27/09/08
      15.   It Sounds Like Meshal`s Parting Gift To Assad 15:27  |  Jeff Northridge 27/09/08
      16.   Ehud Olmert has rehabilitate Assad?s image? 15:29  |  Jean Van Daem 27/09/08
      17.   Syria got the message from Hizbullah....don`t 15:51  |  maurice 27/09/08
      18.   Nazibollah work accident ?? 15:56  |  Jean 27/09/08
      19.   Correction 16:04  |  Hassan Nasrallah 27/09/08
      20.   bomb 16:12  |  shimon 27/09/08
      21.   Matts Syria already has troops deployed at Leb border 16:21  |  Margie in Tel Aviv 27/09/08
      22.   No Responsibility 16:49  |  Ron 27/09/08
      23.   How does it feel Syria, I just love freedom fighters 17:04  |  DOC HOLLIDAY 27/09/08
      24.   Jeff N.It could also be a little warning from Iranian brothers 17:12  |  PETER SM 27/09/08
      25.   Still investigating but... let`s hate Israel! 18:02  |  dyinglikeflies 27/09/08
      26.   Ignorant Syrian TV Commentator 18:23  |  B`Galil 27/09/08
      27.   Syrian Anti-terror units ?? 18:23  |  vik 27/09/08
      28.   Syrians Intelligence Like Chickens 18:25  |  Observer 27/09/08
      29.   Nasrallah and His Iranian Masters Are At Work Here 18:49  |  Eli 27/09/08
      30.   PETER SM # 24 There`s Plenty Of Suspects 18:55  |  Jeff Northridge 27/09/08
      31.   Timing must be accounted for 19:14  |  Arie 27/09/08
      32.   Syria gets a taste of its own medicine 19:20  |  Conroy 27/09/08
      33.   All the hallmarks 19:58  |  Jeb 27/09/08
      34.   anyone shedding any tears here? 20:08  |  Richard S 27/09/08
      35.   syria needs more of this-it must taste its own medicine as often. 20:40  |  misha 27/09/08
      36.   Syrian peace talks: sham! Israel hate flourishes in state media 20:50  |  Arthur 27/09/08
      37.   Israel gets blamed for every bombing in the middle east;hello you 21:01  |  glenna 27/09/08
      38.   Possibly a Lebonese target was intended 21:02  |  Adrian de Klerk 27/09/08
      39.   # 30 I`ll bet on the Hamas/Hezbollah 22:17  |  Lynn 27/09/08
      40.   Domination of 5% Alleviate on 95% Sunny will not lost for ever 23:23  |  e.m Jordan is Palse 27/09/08
      41.   Massive Car Bombing in Damascus 23:42  |  Gary 27/09/08
      42.   Damascus Bomb 00:00  |  The Teacher/Instruct 28/09/08
      43.   They Destroyed A Toy Store Too? 00:05  |  Jeff Northridge 28/09/08
      44.   once again israel is at fault, what else is new 00:15  |  hal tripp 28/09/08
      45.   let me get this straight 01:39  |  natan 28/09/08
      46.   A taste of their own medecine 03:17  |  Daniel Leopold 28/09/08
      47.   Arab way of Celebrating anything . 03:36  |  TOMY 28/09/08
      48.   "A work accident"? Talk about being fired. 06:11  |  Murray of Montreal 28/09/08
      49.   Clickfool,lackshmi,Natalie Durson,Maureen Ann&Co are 06:12  |  Daniel Leopold 28/09/08
     Read & React
    Burston: Will Palin win Jews - and Florida - over to Obama?
    Responses: 14
    U.S. deploys radar system at Israel base to detect Iran missiles
    Responses: 20
    Gideon Levy: Enough with the 'political process' game
    Responses: 20
    Olmert said to offer Palestinians Jordan Valley land swap
    Responses: 17
    Editorial: Capitalism isn't dead, but U.S. is on the path to decline
    Responses: 12


    More Headlines
    14:09 Olmert: 'Jewish underground' behind attack on leftist prof.
    14:12 Defense Minister: Violent settlers must be punished
    10:49 U.S. deploys radar system at Israel base to detect Iran missiles
    17:50 Settlers deny involvement in shooting death of W. Bank shepherd
    08:54 Olmert said to offer Palestinians Jordan Valley land swap
    13:10 Livni denies offering Mofaz senior role in future coalition
    17:35 Will Palin win Jews - and Florida - over to Obama?
    15:03 IDF soldier attacked with acid may regain sight, say doctors
    17:05 Hamas releases 35 jailed Fatah men in Gaza in goodwill gesture
    02:39 ANALYSIS / Damascus bomb is latest event to shake Syrian security
    08:17 Israeli police trained Chinese counterparts prior to Olympics
    11:46 Olmert heads to Russia next week for talks on Iran and Syria
    08:24 Sec. Council demands Iran halt enrichment, but holds off on U.S. bid for new sanctions
    15:48 Police Chief apologizes for remarks made in Haaretz interview
    Previous Editions
    Special Offers
    Advertisement
    Fattal Hotel Chain
    Perfectly located hotels on best resorts of Israel.
    Dial 013 for your long-distance calls
    and get all your money back
    US CITIZENS
    Vote for real change. Request your ballot today!
    Eldan Rent a Car
    Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations
    Jewish Singles Personal Ads
    Find the love of your life on JDate.com
    Israel's Premier Real Estate Website
    www. israel-property.com
    Hebrew Summer courses
    From $39.95
    Junkyard
    Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt
    Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |
    Real Estate in Israel | Travel to Israel with Haaretz | Hotels Israel | Restaurants Israel | Tourist attractions Israel | Shops Israel
    birthright Israel | Search engine marketing
    Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.
    © Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved